Meet a Globetrotter: Olivia Benefield
The Margaret River Ride, Australia , Noosa Bush & Beach Ride, Australia
We fell in love with Olivia the moment she contacted us to help organise her horse riding holiday in the Margaret River region of WA. She was so genuine, lovely and just a pleasure to talk to, and I just knew I needed to introduce you to her. I think the Margaret River Ride is going to be the first of many globetrotting adventures for Olivia!
What is your day job?
My official job title is “Infrastructure Analyst”. I work on an IT helpdesk that supports medical centres and some other customers.
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
Horses have helped me through difficult life choices and given me a sense of purpose (something to get out of bed for, they always need feeding and looking after!).
What is your earliest memory of horses?
Real or toy horses?!
Toy horses – I loved ponies for years but I wasn’t allowed one… so I had 4 or 5 toy horses. I used to build them stables out of cardboard boxes and everything!
Real horses – going on a ride for my birthday at a trekking place, I remember the horse’s name was Oliver, which was funny as my name is Olivia!
What was your childhood pony called?
I didn’t have my own childhood pony but I had the loan of an RDA pony called Sooty and a pony club horse called Floaty.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Horses are good for my soul. I tried to be a city girl once but failed! Being with horses and riding makes me happy.
What have horses taught you the most?
That a work/life balance is important. You need something enjoyable outside of work that is active, gets you outside and uses a completely different part of your brain to be well and happy.
What was your first globetrotting ride?
My first ride booked through globetrotting was the Margaret River Ride. I have also completed the Noosa Bush & Beach ride.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a globetrotting holiday?
I was very busy and stressed at work and I was looking around for a holiday that would be relaxing and a complete change of scene. I remembered a Facebook friend had been on a riding holiday in Africa and started googling to see if there were any closer to home. There was, much to my excitement!
What globetrotting rides have you since completed/going to/wanting to complete?
I’m wanting to complete one in Canada or Wyoming as well as going back to the ones I’ve already done and doing them again. They were both so awesome that I want to go back!
What is your most memorable globetrotting moment?
There’s so many memorable moments it’s hard to choose! I guess it would be cantering down a white sandy beach on a beautiful blue sky day amongst new friends that you’ve made during the week and seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter from those around you.
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
It combines two of the things I enjoy the most – riding and travelling!
Who is your favourite safari horse of all time and why?
Lilly! She was awesome, such a lovely nature and beautifully trained.
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Be prepared to laugh – at yourself, with others and with happiness!
Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without…
Comfortable riding clothes, boots, half chaps and helmet.