- You have to prioritize as a top athlete
Heidi Moen (42) is one of Norway's top female trotting trainers. She describes the profession as tough. In 21 years, she's taken off fewer than four weeks of work, but her love for the horses and the joy of working with them every day still makes it worthwhile.
In connection with International Women's Day, we spoke with Heidi Moen, who lives in Norway's idyllic Begnadalen. She has been working full-time as a trotting trainer since 2000 and is currently training 13 horses.
- We made a deliberate decision to keep the number of horses in training down to 13. I've had up to 28, but I had to expend too much control and energy on things other than what I want to spend my time on: namely caring for and training horses, says Moen.
Cutting down on the number of horses also meant a reduction in staff, so she now does most of the work in the stables and the training herself. This makes for long days.
- I'm in the stable at 6.45. After feeding and letting out the horses, there is mucking out, filling hay nets, and washing water buckets. I have help with this in one of the stables. Afterwards I train the horses until I finish everyone on the list, it does not matter how late I go because I cannot omit any of them even if I start to run late. I usually finish training at 4 or 5, and after that there is cleaning and grooming to do before I go home for dinner around 6 or 7. I am so incredibly lucky that I have a man who makes good dinner every single evening, says Moen.
Horses were her passion since childhood, and as a teen she practically lived in the stable. As a young woman she competed in both jumping and dressage.
- I ended up working with trotting horses a bit by chance, but it was the only opportunity I saw to be able to work with horses full-time in my village. In addition, my aunt was my trotting trainer as well as a great role model throughout my youth.
- What is the best thing about being a trainer?
- The horses, naturally. That I can spend all day with them and plan the day according to their needs, plus that I can be active and outside all the time. I have a great competitive instinct and find training for races to be incredibly exciting. Even though there is a lot of the same routine every week, it never gets boring. Gradually I have come to the point where I have gained some nice and loyal customers, many of whom I regard as good friends. That means a lot to me.
- What tips would you give young girls who dream of pursuing a career in trotting?
- Honestly, I think there are few girls who are suitable to be a trotting trainer. You have to put your whole soul into it, absolutely all of your time. Being a top athlete means setting priorities. There have been many weddings and celebrations I could not attend because of my work. I am lucky to have a partner who contributes to our home life and takes care of whatever is needed. Without him it would have been tough!
When her daughter Tuva was born, Moen was only away from the stable and the horses for a few days – delivering early on a Thursday morning, she returned the following Monday at almost full-time capacity.
- Tuva had attended 50 races by the time she was six months old. Looking back, I don't really know how we managed it. In 21 years I have never called in sick and have had less than four weeks holiday. It has been tough in many ways, but for me it has been worth the effort and I feel that I have been repaid. I had to start at the very bottom and climbed every rung of the ladder. Others might have an easier time of it. It is still possible if you really want it!
Asked if there are any women in trotting to whom she would like to pay tribute, Moen knows the answer immediately.
- I want to give a shout out to a whole group of girls – namely all the wonderful girls I see caring for the horses. Those who work long days and weekends, those who groom and cuddle and present beautiful, well-groomed horses. Those who spend all their free time in the stable, and the staff who work long hours for a low hourly wage. I see them on Snapchat and other social media, I see them at the track, and I think they are very good! They really deserve so much more than a bit of praise. In any case, they should know that trotting is completely dependent on their efforts. Good job, girls!
