The (not so) secret life of Deborah Jay, fantasy author

If you are a friend of mine on Twitter, or you’ve visited my ‘about me’ page on my own blog, you may know that I am by profession a trainer of dressage horses.

Didn’t know that? Where have you been?

Now, much as I love my writing and plan to do more as I get older and less inclined to earn my keep standing out in all weathers, or pushing myself physically as my body starts to stiffen up, I don’t ever see myself giving it up completely. As long as I can see clearly, and have a voice I can project (even that’s easier these days, with the use of radio mics), I shall continue to be involved in my sport in one capacity or another – as well as being a rider and trainer, I am also a top level national judge.

Here’s me, competing on the International circuit, in Spain, 8 years ago.

What you really don’t know about me is that I absolutely, categorically, cannot cook. Eating, however, is not a problem!

As a consequence, for many years I have used that lovely tailcoat you see above as my incentive to keep my weight in check. I’ve had the coat since I was 28 years old, and I’m now 55. This year I have finally admitted defeat 😦

I’ve moved the buttons as far as I can, and I can still just do it up, but breathing is not an option!

The new coat, with blue paisley details and smart silver buttons.

As a result, and with much sadness, I asked my lovely partner for a new coat for Christmas this year – made to measure, and up to date fashion-wise. It wasn’t cheap, believe me, and when it arrived yesterday and I tried it on for the first time, I have to admit to a certain disappointment that it is nowhere near as fitted as the old one.

But I’m guessing it won’t be long before I’m appreciating it, when I ride down the centre line later this month at the first show of our season, and find I can draw enough breath not to turn puce while riding my Grand Prix test!