After preliminary hesitation, Natika Riordan’s dad and mom at the moment are proper behind her transfer to change into a jockey, absolutely backing that profession alternative, however it wasn’t a well-liked choice at first.
Like most younger women from an early age, Riordan was obsessive about horses and at all times harboured a want to work with equine animals in some skilled capability.
Riordan thought of being a veterinarian, however triggered by a household hyperlink to thoroughbreds and the affinity she attracts from using horses, she pivoted to pursue a racing profession.
Riordan’s dad and mom hoped she’d put these aspirations on the again burner, however what they obtained was cussed, albeit admirable resistance from their decided daughter.
Regardless of the push again, Riordan was firm and defiant, character traits which helped foil a well-meaning, however in the end unsuccessful plan by her dad and mom.
“My aunt is Donna Riordan; a coach and he or she obtained me initially concerned with horses,” Riordan mentioned.
“I feel I used to be about 10 once I began begging mum and pa to take me to the native using college to get classes.
“They have been like, no, no, it’s so costly and why don’t I try to do one thing else.
“Then they mentioned you understand what, you possibly can go get up at 3am with Donna and see if you happen to like horses then.
“They have been pondering it would knock some sense into me, however sadly for them it didn’t, it did the other.
“Each Friday evening they’d drop me off at Donna’s and I’d get up at 3am and assist saddle up the horses.
“I feel my dad and mom had given up by that time.”
Riordan’s profession trajectory goes full steam forward and if all goes to plan, she’ll be carrying her silks in a race journey someday subsequent 12 months.
The 20-year-old has been honing her abilities in preparation in Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s Trackwork Rider Coaching Program.
A 12-month nationally accredited course, it helps members refine their present abilities and provides a pathway to use for a jockey apprenticeship.
Riordan loves horses, however from the second she rode quick work on a galloper, the concept she may change into a jockey has captivated her.
“I purchased my first horse once I was 14 and I’ve at all times had one since,” Riordan mentioned.
“It was by no means what am I going to do, it was at all times what space of horses was I going into.
“I truly thought I used to be too heavy to be a jockey and once I signed up for the trackwork programme it wasn’t in my pondering.
“However after using quick work I knew it was what I needed to do, it was only a nice feeling.
“I caught the bug, I used to be hooked.”
Mentoring Riordan from rookie to apprentice jockey is WA Corridor of Fame coach, Neville Parnham, one among racing’s most revered and standard identities.
Father to star jockeys, Steven, Brad and Chris, Parnham continues to cross on his wealth of data and expertise to the following technology of apprentices.
Riordan mentioned studying her commerce below Parnham’s steerage and affect is an unbelievable academic expertise that she’ll grasp with each palms.
“To have the ability to be taught for my part from the very best coach in WA may be very thrilling,” Riordan mentioned.
“If he’s laborious on you it’s solely as a result of he needs the very best for you.
“He may be powerful however may be very honest.
“He simply needs you to succeed and needs you to be good.”
Riordan’s desires are about to change into a actuality. Her tenacity, persistence and perception has pushed her ambition.
“It’s type of sunk in I might be a jockey subsequent 12 months,” Riordan mentioned.
“A couple of years in the past, I used to be at college and didn’t suppose I used to be taking place this avenue.
“It’s so thrilling and if you happen to don’t adore it, I don’t know what you’re doing there.”
*Present clients solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Likelihood is you are about to lose.
Set a deposit restrict.