About

About Me

I’m Francesca, a 40 something wife, mother of two and a complete horse addict.  Living the equestrian lifestyle in Cheshire in the UK but originally from Northern Ireland.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a horse addict.  My love, or obsession for horses has always been there.  I’d jump at any opportunity to get on a horse whether it be a pony ride at a fair or a trek on a holiday.  I started taking regular lessons at a local riding school when I was about 9 or 10 years old.  Here I am 30 ish years later still as obsessed as ever.

 

In terms of real life, if I’m honest I am still finding my way with my equestrian lifestyle blog and store business and earning a decent income.  Throughout my life I have jumped from one thing to another and not just whilst on horse back.

I have a great work ethic, even though I say so myself.  Consequently everything I have done I have done well.  That was perhaps until I entered into the realms of being a business owner.

Have a Career Change

Graduating with a science degree in 1997 I felt I should train as an accountant!  I didn’t stick with that for various reasons so moved back to science.  In 2004 I got married and started a family, I was offered voluntary redundancy in 2007 whilst on maternity leave so I started helping out my husband in the office with the book keeping.  He had started a hot tub and outdoor living business. A new venture for him after owning a window and conservatory business.

Until you have experienced what it is like to be a business owner I don’t think you fully understand. The highs are very high and the lows are the pits! Unfortunately I feel as if I have experienced mostly lows over the years.  A couple of years ago I was finding it increasingly difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel.  I went back to science because I thought that was what I wanted and it would give me more security financially.

I threw myself into my new job but after 2 and half years enough was enough I was wearing myself down trying to spread myself between work, my children, my home and still doing my husband’s book keeping and what for?  I was far from happy and my husband had been diagnosed with depression.

Start a Blog

A friend on mine suggested starting a blog she has a very successful foodie blog that she started herself several years ago.

As I said before I am a horse addict, my passion is horses, and I also really enjoying home renovation and cooking or baking.  Both of these past times generally cost money so I was struggling to enjoy either.  I’m still finding my way with the equestrian lifestyle blog, as you can see.  It is essentially about my life as a working mum of two with horses.

I reduced my hours in my science related job in September 2016.  I’m not sure I have had business success yet but I am still here.  I have plenty of experience in what hasn’t worked so hopefully I am close to finding what will work for me.

My equestrian lifestyle blog is my journey in making my passion for horses fit more snugly into my current lifestyle.  I will be writing about my experiences of owning horses and how I have had to learn to adapt and fit the horses in around working, housework and the school run.  I am happy to share my experiences good and bad and if I can help you get out of rut and find your focus in life I will.

I have added an equestrian store with all things horsey, with treats for both horse, rider and even the non rider. Something for everyone to enjoy!  Some products will have been tried and tested and others will be reviewed along the way.