Lilly Pinchin, a rising star in horse racing, finds herself at home with her beloved animals in the serene Cotswolds. On a rainy February afternoon, she relaxes in her family’s farmhouse, surrounded by a menagerie of animals. Her two Jack Russells, Noodles and Rufus, are particularly close to her heart, often referred to as her “carers” by her mother. These animals provide Pinchin with a sense of peace and stability in her otherwise busy life.
Pinchin boasts an impressive collection of animals that includes horses, dogs, ducks, chickens, cats, and even a rescued peacock named Percy. These animals bring her comfort and joy, serving as a foundation for her passion for racing. Her relationship with them has guided her into a career centered around animals, despite the challenges she faces.
Pinchin’s path to becoming a professional jockey has been intertwined with her experience with ADHD, a condition with which she was diagnosed in childhood. She describes the sensation as a head constantly buzzing, comparable to being ‘tipsy’ but in a manageable way that affects her balance and concentration. Routine is important for managing her condition, and she adheres to a strict schedule, starting her day at 5.30 am to maintain focus through her medication.
The chaos that ADHD brings into her life is soothed by her time on horseback. Pinchin describes how riding brings a sense of tranquility and quietude to her mind, contrasting starkly with her typical day-to-day. Her time in the saddle becomes a rare sanctuary of calm and focus.
Early Ambitions and Life Decisions
Despite the challenges of her ADHD, Pinchin was determined from a young age to make her mark as a jockey. She made the bold decision to leave school at 15 to dedicate herself fully to this path. Without any family ties to the racing industry, she had to carve out her journey through sheer will and tenacity.
Reflecting on her journey, Pinchin credits her condition for contributing to her drive and determination. The intensity of focus that her ADHD sometimes grants her has propelled her forward in the demanding world of jockeying. Her willingness to put in long, hard hours and her unyielding dedication to her craft have been instrumental to her success.
Challenges in the Riding World
The rigors of racing have not been without risk. Her drive sometimes leads her to push past physical limits, such as when she continued riding despite injuries, leading to serious health complications. Her relentless work ethic, however, mirrors her passion and commitment to her sport.
As her career progressed, Pinchin faced the additional challenge of balancing her professional ambitions with the desire to manage perceptions of her ADHD. Initially, the fear of stigma kept her silent about her condition, but with her growing success and confidence, she is now more open and willing to share her experiences.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
Pinchin’s journey is not just about personal triumph. Through a recently produced documentary, she aims to shed light on living and succeeding with ADHD in the high-pressure world of professional sports. With this visibility, she hopes to inspire others who might be facing similar challenges.
The documentary is not just a testament to her personal battles but also an effort to increase understanding and acceptance of ADHD in competitive sports arenas. As Pinchin continues to make strides in her career, she remains focused on her goals, ready to work hard in what she anticipates to be her most challenging year yet.
Her story, a true testament to perseverance and passion for horse racing, highlights the importance of understanding and harnessing the strengths that can come from perceived weaknesses. With her animals by her side and a clear focus on her future, Lilly Pinchin continues to forge her path forward in the racing world.
