Hey everyone! I recently moved from Waterford in Ireland, to Pennsylvania in the US and asked if anyone would want to read an article on my experience. I was really flattered by the abundance of interest and hope you find this piece as enjoyable to read as I did to write. Thank you for sending in questions and for being so keen to hear what life is like on this side of the pond, it got me super excited to get writing again.  If you have any questions or think I could help, please get in touch.

Why I moved…
Mid last year after yet another reminder that life is too short, I decided I needed a change. I felt the need to scratch the itch that’s been bugging me since I was in school and give it a shot, living in America. I’m young and have no ties, technology these days allows for me to stay in touch with those I love and if it doesn’t work out? I’m one plane away from home. So now is the time to at least try.
With the inspiration at 90, I made a few calls, sent a few texts and found myself spending two months in Florida for the Wellington Equestrian Festival at the start of this year. I spent a lot of time with the Matz family and in that, got offered the job I do now.
That’s the great thing about horses, they can take you anywhere. Luckily for me, America is a hotspot for a variety of unique shows, people and opportunities you wouldn’t be able to predict. Plus the weather is a big ole bonus.  With the offer in my hands and the world at my feet, I accepted this chance for a fresh and exciting new chapter.

What’s it like to move that far?

Yes, the plane ride is a lot longer now but at the end of the day. The steps are all the same. You check in, tediously wait in line whilst some poor soul hasn’t the foggiest of what to put in their tray at security, fumble around for your boarding pass, frequently panic that you’ve forgotten your passport and inevitably fall asleep before take off. The distance seems to intimidate many people, but it’s really no different from the amount of time you’re waiting whilst your Ryanair flight chooses how long to be delayed for.

For me, it’s the day to day differences that catch you off guard. I now find myself thoroughly enjoying the chill from the AC as you walk into my apartment after work, every morning I walk into work admiring the beauty and layout of my barn and I’m able to wear shorts every day, I rarely have to even think about it raining. The US Dollar still looks like monopoly money to me and I’m yet to adapt to the concept of one dollar bills rather than a coin…

The mundane food shop is much more interesting though, Target is like Dunne Stores on Steroids! So far, my experience is great, the people are certainly unique. I’ve been fortunate that everyone I’ve come across so far have been very friendly, eager to help and have welcomed me to America with a smile.
I keep in touch with home via FaceTime, WhatsApp, regular picture and video updates. My dad sending little parcels directly from Amazon Prime so that I always have what I need. The various group chats staying active so that I’m always up to date on what my friends and family are up to. My besties sending me the most recent tea so that I’ve always got some gossip. I’ve found they’re the things that make the real difference when you move. It’s bittersweet because they’re also the things that make you appreciate and miss your people that little bit more.

There will always be things that make you miss home. I miss the shows, I regularly get to go here but I miss knowing everyone I bumped into in the warm up ring and always finding a familiar face at the bar afterwards. I miss knowing my way around the place without using my maps and which restaurants would be good for dinner. I am excited to figure my way around here, I’m still very fresh to the area.
The first 24hrs here I did what any sane person would do and panicked if I had made the right choice and oh what on earth am I doing here, but I have done this enough to know the first 3 weeks of moving are the worst for worrying and overthinking. I am much more settled now and most definitely happy with my choice.

What is your job?

On paper, I am a home and show groom. All equestrians will know, there is much more to the job than simply the title. I work under Robert and Alex Matz with the Vintage Farm Showjumping team. Their mother DD who is successful in her own right and enchanting to watch on a horse. Their father Michael Matz, Olympic medallist in the US show jumping team – simply a fantastic horseman. It’s safe to say that Alex and Robert come from good stock.

With Robert and Alex recently starting up their own business, it is honestly one of the most exciting and motivating moves of my career to join them with every ambition of creating nothing but success. WIth a family run business and a tight knit team of workers, I am so utterly grateful for the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive and lighthearted environment.

My daily schedule runs similar to most farms. I feed at 7, turn everyone out, muck out stables, tack up, wash off, clean tack, keep on top of the washing and we aim to be fed and finished by 4:30 before the horses get a night check past 7pm. The hours here are much lighter compared to Europe, I’m enjoying the work/life balance a lot.  Due to the fact that generally, the states has a lower horse to groom ratio, I am lucky enough to get the chance to ride frequently too. Whether it be hacking around, exploring the acres of breathtaking farmland or schooling top quality horses on the flat with the help of Alex or Robert. I have well and truly landed on my feet, my 12 year old self would be screaming at what we’re doing today.

I have also stepped into a role with more responsibility here. With DD’s barn manager Gail, practically holding my hand –  I now have to keep track of things such as sending off the correct purchases to the secretary for billing, feed, hay, bedding, supplement and medical supplies whilst making sure I order the right products, in the right amounts at the right times. Whilst also ensuring I’m being as cost effective as possible.  Everyone I have dealt with has been very kind and considerate when dealing with me – I’m constantly checking that my requests are of normal quantities and thanking them for being so patient. They’re always happy to help and are so positive when I tell them I’m new to this. I’ve become acquainted with our vets, farriers, sponsors and owners. Again, they’re all very kind and happy to work with me. Most people could do this in their sleep but it’s a big step up for me and I’m loving learning all about it.

Would I recommend you do it?

Simply put – yes. Not only do you have the chance to learn so many new skills, you learn a lot about yourself. I have made countless new friends and contacts that even if I decided to pack up and go back home now, I’d be happy. I’m not going to, but you get my point. You get an abundance of new skills and experiences that are simply priceless; you get to visit places you have never been before and there’s a world of opportunities at your feet. You may even find yourself a whole new career. Plus, you can always change your mind, literally nothing is forever and you will never regret giving it a try, you just might regret not doing it in the first place.

I want to say thank you. Thank you to those who took the time to read this, I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you to those who pushed me to write and for taking an interest, asking questions and generally being supportive. Thank you to the PECO company for restoring the power after the storm, literal days of no AC, no wifi and no charge – I literally could not have posted otherwise. Thank you to the VF team for welcoming me so warmly and for putting up with me every. Single. Day…
And a big thank you to Alex and Robert for bringing me on board to kick ass alongside you, there are no words to say how grateful I am. A shoutout to my future green card, my toothbrush is grey and blue – I know yours is always pink. Oh and I cannot forget to say thanks to the farm hand with the, “sweet hair cut” for saving me from the wasps nest – bugs out here are on roids and absolutely not for me.

Although I am currently enjoying my new life over this side of the pond. Ireland is still my favourite place in the world and will forever have a big piece of my heart.

If you would like to see what we are getting up to over here, follow the instagram for regular updates! @vintagefarmshowjumping