In the demanding world of eventing, balancing a full-time career while competing at top levels is no easy feat. Libby Seed, a 26-year-old amateur event rider and full-time medical sales professional, has managed to navigate this challenging path with determination and grace. In a recent podcast episode, Libby shared her journey, the challenges of balancing her dual careers, and her passion for the sport that has shaped her life.
A Dual Career: Riding and Medical Sales
Libby Seed’s story is one of dedication and meticulous time management. Based in the southwest of the UK near Bath, Libby juggles her responsibilities as a territory manager in the medical devices industry with her demanding training schedule for eventing. She works for Boston Scientific, specializing in vascular medical equipment, and her job involves extensive travel across the southeast of the UK—a logistical challenge given her eventing commitments.
Despite these challenges, Libby has found a way to balance her passion for horses with her professional obligations. She credits much of her success to careful planning and the support of her team, including her mother, who plays a crucial role in managing the logistics of her horses.
Growing Up with Horses
Libby’s love for horses started early. Both her parents were riders, and she grew up immersed in the equestrian world, attending Pony Club and hunting with her family. Living close to Badminton, one of the most prestigious eventing competitions in the world, Libby was inspired by watching top riders like William Fox-Pitt and Mary King. This inspiration fueled her desire to pursue eventing at a competitive level.
Although she never specifically aimed to become a top-level eventer as a child, Libby’s goal-oriented nature and love for the sport naturally led her down this path. Today, her ultimate dream is to compete in Badminton, a goal she has been steadily working towards.
Preparing for the Big Stage
When it comes to preparing for major events, Libby’s approach is all about structure and organization. She meticulously plans her horse’s fitness regime, working backwards from the event date to ensure optimal preparation. This includes a mix of dressage, jumping, galloping, and treadmill sessions, all carefully timed around her work schedule.
Balancing such a demanding schedule requires not only physical stamina but also mental resilience. Libby admits that managing nerves, especially in high-pressure environments like Badminton, can be challenging. However, she has developed strategies to stay focused, such as keeping busy, walking the course early to avoid the crowds, and maintaining a sense of control over her environment.
The Importance of Delegation and Support
One of the key lessons Libby has learned on her journey is the importance of delegation and having a strong support team. She acknowledges that trying to do everything herself isn’t always possible or productive. Whether it’s enlisting her mother’s help with logistics or having a trusted rider like Lewis Carrier school her horse when she can’t be there, Libby has learned that sharing the load is essential.
This mindset has also extended to her professional career, where she has had to learn to prioritize and delegate tasks to maintain balance and prevent burnout. “Just because you can’t do it all yourself doesn’t mean you’re failing,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s limits and working smarter, not harder.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Challenges
As Libby looks to the future, her focus remains on continuing to advance in the sport of eventing while balancing her career in medical sales. Her top horse, Angel, is a significant part of her plans, with preparations for major events like Burley in full swing. Libby’s dedication to her training and the careful management of her horses’ fitness are central to her strategy for success.
Advice for Aspiring Eventers
When asked to share advice for those aspiring to climb the ranks in eventing, Libby emphasized the importance of perseverance. “Keep going. Just keep going,” she said, noting that resilience and determination are key to overcoming the many challenges that come with competing at a high level.
Conclusion
Libby Seed’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and smart planning. By balancing a demanding full-time career with her ambitions in eventing, she has shown that it’s possible to pursue one’s dreams without sacrificing professional success. As she continues to strive for her goals, Libby’s story will undoubtedly inspire many others in the equestrian community.
If you enjoyed hearing about Libby’s inspiring journey and want to explore more stories from the world of equestrian sports, be sure to tune in to our podcast! Each episode dives deep into the experiences of top riders, offering valuable insights and advice. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and stay connected with the latest from the eventing world!