Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Lorraine Meadowcroft
From selling at a car boot to CEO of a leading online retailer, Lorraine Meadowcroft certainly knows how to make an impact in the business world.
Owner of the award-winning company Equestrian.com, Lorraine has seen her pioneering firm escalate into an online phenomenon, which has changed the face of equestrian internet retailing as we know it.
Here we talk to Lorraine and find out about her lifelong love of horses, her will to win and how she has carved her career path from delivering local election leaflets to highly successful business woman sipping champagne at the Global Champions Tour and sponsoring the iconic Hickstead Derby.
What is your earliest horsey memory?
When I was around four-years-old we hadn't a proper bathroom, so it was easier for my Mum to bathe me in the kitchen sink on an evening before bed. I used to look out of the window and about this time the local show jumper used to ride by on her large grey horse, on occasions my father used to stop her so I could have a sit on it, and my desire to ride and jump horses started.
What is your proudest moment?
I only ever had a liking for red rosettes, blue of course for Pony Club! I had so many as a junior to be proud of. In business I still chase the red ones and taking my business from selling out of a car boot to becoming BETA Internet Retailer of the Year 2014 must be up there as one of my greatest achievements.
If you had to pick an alternative career, what would it be?
Politics….. In my 20's I found I had a passion for two things, horses and politics and spent a number of years as a political activist and candidate. I have an ability to turn my hand to almost anything, can see how to promote almost everything and love to help people. This year I helped deliver leaflets for our local candidate and loved every minute of the 2.5 hours of time I gave to doing this.
What do you love about Hickstead?
I like beautiful things, whether I'm looking at something or feeling the emotion. Hickstead oozes beauty and emotion. On arrival last year, the first thing we did was enter the main ring and we were hit by the vibrancy of colour, the attention to detail, the iconic fences and the memory flashes from the past; everything is just so perfectly done!
If you could own any current top showjumping horse, who would it be?
After watching Trevor Breen jump Classic 11 at the Horse of the Year Show last year, I think this is a dream team in the making and I'll be following their career together. As for a top horse, it must be Hello Sanctos; following him around the world on the Global Champions Tour would be a great buzz!
Aside from the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting, which other horse shows do you most love visiting?
I go to numerous events throughout the season as either a guest or a sponsor but rarely these days go to any for pleasure. However I always find myself at Bramham Horse Trials every year which is relatively local to us. I love the setting, the atmosphere and can't wait to be sitting above that main ring sharing a pork and apple roll and a jug of Pimms with family and friends. A perfect end to the Saturday event is watching the Six Bar.
The London Global Champions Tour was another great day out, not your normal horse show setting at all! We were dressed up in your Sunday best, sipping champagne, eating lobster and filet of beef and all the rest!... I believe there was a spot of show jumping as well, which Scott won to top it all off!
Describe your perfect night out
When I'm home I like to spend Saturday evenings with my youngest daughter and her new baby Theia, veg'ing on her big soft sofa, watching X Factor or The Voice eating take out and chocolate!
Favourite holiday destination
I've normally too much on to take holidays and I travel quite a bit with work and love being home when the sun shines but a few years ago I went to Pisa in Italy with the girls, travelling to a number of places like Florence and Luca. The sun shone, it was all green, the people were pleasant but the history was amazing and I do prefer to mix sightseeing with the pool. However I do wish at all times to remain in touch with home via my phone so this is now on the criteria list of what helps to make a good holiday!