With a fresh start as part of the Fox-Pitt eventing team, Jess Rimmer has had a month of change, but is excited for a new chapter
September has been an exciting month for Team Rimmer. Having achieved a first class honours degree in Biochemistry, I decided to put it to good use (not!) and take the next big step in pursuing my eventing career.
Fontmell Parva has been my home for as long as I can remember, and I owe so much to both the place and the people for getting me to where I am today. But, as with any career, progression is natural and it was time for a change. A few weeks ago we made the move to Hinton St Mary, thrilled to be joining the Fox-Pitt eventing team.
I have been trained by William since my teenage years, and with his recent shift towards teaching since retiring from top-level competition, the move made total sense – helped hugely by the support of my very generous owners, and of course my family.
All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
New home, new routines
As you’d imagine, moving five horses, all their kit and all of mine (and yes, I took both lorries too!) was no mean feat. Between mum, Lily and me, we managed to get all settled in with just a few short trips. I was grateful we were literally only moving 15 minutes down the road and not three hours away!
I’m trying to embrace my tidy side (I’m still not sure it actually exists) as I organise my new tack room … but hey, at least everything is in the same place!
Elsa, Max, Jimmy, Henry and Mattie have all settled in beautifully, and they’ve adjusted to the new routine very quickly.
We’ve been here for a month already, and we are absolutely loving it! I’m living in the on-site accommodation otherwise known as The Lodge with four other girls, who come from all over the world, all with different horsey backgrounds. It’s so interesting chatting with them about the similarities – and differences – in the ways we’ve all grown up with horses.
Although the work days are busy, there is a real sense of camaraderie and I’ve felt part of the team since day one. We all muck in and help each other, whether it’s yard work, riding or deciding which outfit to take on holiday! The working environment is great, and combining that with the fantastic training opportunities and facilities it feels like a real honour to be here, learning from world-class people in a world-class environment.
Season’s end
As far as actual eventing is concerned, I have been totally preoccupied with our big move, and I can’t really believe how quickly the end of the season is creeping up on us.
We have one final push with the three 3* horses (Mattie, Elsa and Henry) as they aim for Bicton International at the end of the month, while the ‘young guns’ Max and Jimmy aim for Swalcliffe Park mid-month and Bovington the following weekend as their final runs … Great British weather permitting, as always!
I’m looking forward to putting some of my new training to good use, although I do have to keep reminding myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Regardless of how the season ends, I’m beyond thrilled to be part of the Fox-Pitt team – I am SO excited for what’s to come.
