Life is not all about work, keeping fit or achievement, you should regularly get out and do something completely different.
Here we are, waiting for the horses to come into view
Yesterday we went to the Yass Picnic Races; a country race meet which has been going since 1901. We were invited along by one of our clients, a sponsor of the event, to join them in their marquee and eat, drink and be merry.
We met a good mix of characters at the event and immensely enjoyed going over to the mounting yard to check out the horses and riders and try to pick our winner. We picked the winner in two out of four races and Janine would have got three out of four if it weren’t for her not sticking with her gut feeling and foolishly being influenced by me. I did warn her that I know nothing about horseflesh.
How to pick a winner
As total amateur punters, but professional personal coaches, we drew upon two of our skills – observation and instinct! (Don’t try this at home folks – horses aren’t people!)
This was our first winner
With no background understanding of either jockey, trainer or horse, we looked at the size and shape of the horse. Bigger, we figured is better. We judged the level of fitness by their shape, muscular development and how the horse behaved – was it temperamental, agitated, calm? Did it’s face and eyes have that spark or did it look disinterested?
We looked at the handler with the horse – how did they interact? was it love or strictly business?
Then we looked at the Jockey – (We felt pretty confident with our ability to pick jockeys – because they are people). So we’d look at the expressions on the faces of the jockeys, their size and weight and the way they interacted with the handler and the horse.
Next we’d look at how they sat and interacted with the horse – then we’d make our pick.
Like a I said, we know nothing about horse racing, but I think 2 (or 3) out of 4 winners isn’t too bad with this method. It is probably as good as any other!
What can you take away from this?
Go and do something you haven’t done before. It doesn’t have to be bungie jumping or abseiling, it can be as simple as going to a country race meet or visiting a place you’ve never been to before.
‘A change is as good as a holiday’