Well Done Lynn!

Eglinton member Lynn Veitch has just moved out to New Zealand on her gap year - here's what we've heard about it from Sue - Lynn's mum - as Lynn was a little busy!

Just wanted to share some news with you as I'm sure it must have a direct bearing on the excellent, world wide reputation of EHPC and may even encourage other members on a similar path!

Lynn was saving up to travel next spring for her gap year (like older sister Ruth, who went to Peru)

After process of elimination (and considering terrorist threats!) she decided on the safe, quiet haven of New Zealand as her preferred destination.

Thus, she emailed out her CV to our good friend, and long term source of inspiration, Seonaidh MacMillan, from Mauchline - (one of Robert's protégé's and PPC Wembley winner 20 years ago!) - who has married into the farming community of North Island.

Lynn's Mounted Games proficiency, naturally, featured prominently on this compilation of 'achievements-to-date' !

Lynn asked her to circulate these credentials to all relevant contacts - being prepared to work in hotels, on farms, equine studs - even Au Pair/housekeeping.

Knowing that casual jobs might not be plentiful, Lynn had, realistically, resigned herself to the fruit picking bandwagon, which recruits students from Feb onwards.

That was until 5 days ago, when, hurtling across our internet screen, came the offer of a position.........

- 4-6 months as Groom to a 10 horse Polo Yard on dairy farm,
(just 5 minutes from Seonaidh, in the Waikato region!)

They specifically requested (I quote);

• "someone who is a strong and confident rider"
• "someone who can get on with the job and not panic at the thought of riding 10 horses"
• "someone who can exercise by riding one and leading another" (Grooms race??)
• "experience with polo not important, but knowledge and riding ability should be of a high standard" (How she wishes she had completed that 'B'Test!)
• "the applicant should be able to work on their own initiative and be trusted to run the yard when the team is away at competitions"

Accommodation is a small, furnished bungalow, meals are provided and, included also, is the use of a car and petrol + a modest cash wage will be payable.

As you can imagine, Lynn gave it 'serious consideration' - but, there was a drawback (there had to be at least one! )
- they wanted her to start ASAP!

It was also indicated that in her spare time (amazingly, there's NO mucking out as all horses are grazed!) Seonaidh's husband will teach her 'Polo-Crosse', and, if she makes the grade, could go out to the International Championships in Australia in April!

Having accepted (a really tough decision!), the next problem was How and When to go.......

Flights to NZ for December and January have, apparently, been fully booked for 2 months........but, her luck was in - one seat only was available by going via Virgin to Los Angeles and thence AirNZ to Auckland.....and it departed in 5 days time!!

You could imagine the state of chaos of the household !!
- 'So Much to Do, So Little Time'

Lynn is now out in New Zealand exercising 7 horses a day - they are all different - some a bit crazy and can be tricky when trying to ride 1 and lead 1. She's already had a go at polo too!

Call it propaganda, but I feel strongly that she owes this career move to our redoubtable Eglinton PC, in that she received this dream of a chance, and had the confidence to accept it, on the strength of her experience with Robert Noble and the Eggy team.

Do Games, Will Travel!!

Sue