Originally from Guernsey but now based in Worksop with her boyfriend and her Westie called Icicle, Megan Lane is a British dressage rider and combines riding and competing with studying for a doctorate in Sports Psychology as well as running her own Sports Psychology business. Megan is also currently one of the selected national athletes taking part in a year-long training programme funded by Sport England.
How did the dressage journey begin?
Megan and Koko after completing our test at Area Festival Finals last year
Horses have always been a part of my life, when I was six months old, I was put on my aunt’s pony. I had my first pony on loan when I was about three, then got my own pony when I was eight. Since then, I have been lucky enough to have a further two amazing ponies. It was my first pony who started my love of dressage, as she didn’t like jumping very much. Although I continued to jump, dressage was what I loved the most.
In 2015 my mum brought my two ponies and I to Sheepgate for the Under 25s. It was a massive trip, with a ferry to Portsmouth and a long drive. The shows over here are so different to what was available to me in Guernsey, it was then that I decided I wanted to live somewhere in England, so i could have access to the shows and more regular training sessions.
Who has helped with your training?
So many amazing people have helped my riding. From my aunt who taught me to ride, to my regular trainer at home Gilly. When I moved to the UK I was based with Gill Liggins. I am now based with Hannah Esberger-Hancock, and train with her twice a week, although I still have regular lessons with Gill.
Probably the biggest influence however has been my mum. She was always there at shows and mucking out and doing basically everything. She still lives in Guernsey now but comes over to see me whenever I am going to a big show.
What are you currently working on?
Megan cuddling Koko after their first test together following Megan’s recovery from a broken back. They placed third and qualified for the winter regionals
I have a dressage horse called Koko, who I’ve competed up to medium with. We qualified for the Winter Nationals at Addington at Elementary, however unfortunately Koko has got a very small injury, so we decided not to go. Prior to me discovering Koko’s injury, we were working on gaining strength, after she had to have the winter off due to me falling off and fracturing my back. We went to regionals after only three weeks of being back in work, so to qualify was incredible. My goals for this year are to qualify for medium regionals and maybe have a crack at an Advanced Medium. However, we need to see where Koko is in her rehab and make decisions based on that. Even if I don’t end up competing this year, I don’t mind, because Koko’s health is more important.
What would you like to be doing in the future?
In the future, I want to compete with Koko as high as we can. I think we can get to above PSG, but it depends on this injury, I think. My dreams are to compete for my country, but it is so hard to do without lots of horsepower, I think. Koko is my world so we will just see how far we can go.
Your Top Tip
Megan and Koko training with Carl Hester!
Competitions are just part of the journey to the long-term destination (whatever that might be). It can be so easy to get caught up in the results you get along the way, but in reality, shows are tools to see where you are at in training. Obviously, you want to do well, but I think that having a long-term view is much more beneficial in helping with nerves.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
This is a really hard one… probably that Judges are people themselves who want to give you the marks.
Why did you choose sports psychology as a career?
I think it was the love for the sport but also my interest in psychology. I had some sports psychology sessions myself a few years ago, and I just decided that’s what I wanted to do. Eventually I want to practice as a private consultant, which will allow flexibility for me to still do my horses alongside.
How do you juggle the demands of studying, running a business and caring for Koko?
I am very lucky to have Koko on full livery. I don’t think I would manage otherwise. I went through school and A-levels doing DIY for my three ponies alongside school, and although my mum helped out a lot, it was definitely hard. I am very grateful for the full livery I have now, as this helps me to make sure I don’t get burnt out and helps me to do as well as I can in my business and university. I still am up there almost every day. I just have to make sure I manage my time and try to stop myself scrolling on my phone too much.
Can you share some tips for dealing with dressage competitions?
Megan and Koko competing at regionals
Remember why you are going to the competition and try to put it into perspective of your long-term goals. Also try to detach from the outcome/results as well. By focusing on this, it can really lead to nerves and anxiety, which can then impact the horse. I think it is much more beneficial to focus on task goals, which are goals related to your riding or movements in the test. Therefore, if you don’t get the result you want, you can still look at the test and think yes that was better than last month, even if the judge or score didn’t agree.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
I have my mum, who is always on the end of the phone to listen to me. My boyfriend James, although he is not horsey, has really been interested and now can help me out a lot. He is also the one who deals with my worrying and stressing at home. Then I have my coaches Hannah and Gill, who are so supportive. They know me so well and always seem to know the right things to say.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Megan you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Megan’s progress and visit her instagram page here