Arranging a time for this interview proved a difficult task for busy horsewoman Clair Jefferys. “I could fit you in between the yard and the school run?” was a typical answer. Understanding her busy schedule I realised it was easier to talk to her while she was exercising her chestnut gelding, Parker. In between lots of ‘Good boys’ and ‘Well done Parky’ I was able to learn about her equestrian background and how she keeps to a strict competition diary, runs a happy household and how she has found time to start up a new equestrian property business. Although her parents would have preferred Clair to go to university to learn an academic trade with a good income they were just as keen to help her follow her passion in working with horses. Through a friend at the local tack shop Clair was offered a once in a lifetime job with Sandy Pfleuger (now Philips) as a working pupil. The principle of a working pupil job is that you usually get to take your own horse and receive no pay but, you would learn an awful lot and get to train daily with that rider. Sandy would ride her horses in the morning and then after lunch would give Clair her daily lesson. It was this part of the day where Clair felt she was really getting her pay. There where no luxuries, it was simply good honest hard work. But Clair’s best feeling was knowing that she was looking after Olympic dressage horses for one of the worlds best dressage riders.   “Working in that environment you soon learn about high standards.” She tells me. “Sandy was very kind and generous with a great sense of humour, but she was also very particular about how her horses where presented. Everything had to be immaculate. I remember more than once being told to take a horse back to his stable and remove the shavings from his tail before she would get on…. You soon learned what high standards meant.”   But Clair really looked forward to her lessons. “I had a novice event horse, Challenger. His only trot pace was extended and he didn’t know how to halt. With Sandy’s daily help and her amazing ability on a horse she taught me to ride all over again and managed to retrain him enough to do a respectable dressage test.”   Clair worked there until Sandy moved to Germany. In that time Clair learnt more than money could ever buy – riding ability, horse management and exceptionally high standards which she puts in to practice now in everything she does.   Clair’s next employment was with Nigel Taylor, an international event rider, again as working pupil. He assisted with jumping as well as flatwork and was incredibly helpful and always full or encouragement. He encouraged Clair to compete Challenger and even organized a trial for the British Junior Event team. Through Nigels help and interest Clair learnt more about fitness training and about management of competition horses which she uses today.   “Working with top riders, you learn so much and improve your own riding. Both Sandy and Nigel gave me an opportunity that I would thoroughly recommend to any serious rider who wants to compete and be successful. It made me realise the importance of having good regular tuition. As a one horse owner/rider I do not have the horse mileage experience and have always wanted regular training to help identify problems before they become big issues which helps steer and mentor you towards your goals.” stresses Clair.   “I am now competing on Great Idea, known as Parky at home. A ten year old 16.3hh Irish Sport Horse, that Gordon Murphy, my present instructor, helped me find 5 years ago. Since the day Parky arrived, Gordon gave me regular lessons. I knew I had a great horse and I was so determined to get the basics right I wanted Gordon to check on progress regularly and advise each next steps. This has really paid off and although we still have a long way to go before making Badminton!!! …..I feel the regular training has been a big part of having such a good horse and achieving some great results. As well as Gordon, I have started to train with Andrew Gould for dressage. Again the results are working. Both competitions this year had us lying first or second after the dressage.   Different things work for different people but I have always found that regular help from a trainer who you like, respect, and has the desired effect, which is reflected in your results, is a fundamental part of being competitive and ultimately successful.” Last year was a very good year for Clair and Great Idea. A win at Aston-Le-Walls Intermediate event qualified them for the Festival of British Eventing Intermediate championships to be held at Gatcombe in August this year. “I hope that with all the hard work and efforts of my trainers we’ll do them proud.” But all this daily training takes time and dedication so how does she manage with her business as an equestrian property agent, and why? “I am really excited about running South East Equestrian Properties. We are a specialist property agent with a difference, able to offer buyers and sellers a unique and unrivalled service because of our extensive equestrian knowledge – we truly understand the equine market and the needs of people with horses. Therefore we can offer a reliable, first hand service. I am looking forward to a busy year, I love a challenge and between competing Parky and running the business I guess I’ll be rushed off my feet!”