Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Skye Higgin, I am 34 years old and I am a British professional showjumper based in Normandy.
What are the 3 adjectives that could define you?
Determined, honest and caring.
What are you most proud of?
When I started in this sport, my ultimate goal was to one day represent my country, an ambition that I have now achieved and which has given me immense pride.
What is the most important value that you would like to pass on to your children or that you spread around you?
Show respect and dignity to everyone around you. Also, be determined in everything you do and never give up!
What makes you feel good?
Spending time with my husband, family and friends. I like to go back to see them in the UK when I can.
What are the moments you like to share with family or friends?
I don't see them as often as I would like, but we always try to get together at Christmas and share the memories of the year together while enjoying each other's company. Also, during big competitions, they always try to come and support me, which makes the event even more special!
What would you like to achieve that is more environmentally friendly?
I try to minimize my use of plastic packaging and be very careful with waste.
How do you see yourself in 15 years?
I would like to start my own business designing and selling equestrian clothing and start a family.
What advice would you give to the person you were 10 years ago?
Life is a journey and sometimes the road to success, both professional and personal, can be long. It is important to have patience in life and not try to run before you can walk.
What is a typical day in your life?
I wake up at 6:30am, have a coffee, feed my dog and do any small administrative tasks before arriving at the stables to start riding from 7:30am. I try to take a short lunch break around 1pm and always try to eat something healthy and light before starting work on the horses again at 2pm and finishing around 6pm. I usually ride 8 horses a day for about 45 minutes each.
What makes you beautiful?
My friends say I am very positive and smile a lot! I also try to stay fit and healthy through diet and exercise.
What is your essential beauty routine?
Being outside all day and traveling a lot, my skin gets really dry. So I try to keep it as hydrated as possible and protected from the sun with a good SPF for the day and a vitamin enriched oil for the night. Also being outside and surrounded by animals, having a good cleanser is essential! I love the JOD cleanser, which I use twice a day. It leaves my skin feeling really soft and fresh.
What do you have in your handbag? ?
My Carmex lip balm, some lozenges for the horses (and myself). I think it's an English thing, we give our horses these as treats, they love them! My wallet and my Ray-Ban sunglasses.
What made you want to start a business? ?
To be independent, to create something of my own.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching Netflix, when I have a long day so I can relax by watching a series, it really helps me forget the worries of the day.
What are your plans?
To continue to pursue my goals and dreams, to continue to improve myself personally and professionally. To continue to learn and gain wisdom that I hope to pass on to my own family one day.
What makes you strong?
Being the youngest of four siblings probably helped me become strong, fighting to keep up! I also think that leaving home at 17 and working in different countries where I didn't know anyone made me grow up quickly and made me more aware of different cultures. Also, a huge help when I was younger was talking to a sports psychologist, who taught me how to focus and set short and long term goals, analyze my performance and understand that frustration is just a lack of understanding.
What is your definition of beauty?
Happiness, for me beauty comes from within. Someone who is happy is beautiful.
What does being natural mean to you?
In today's society with social media and the perception that everyone has a perfect life, it can have a negative impact on people. It's important to be yourself in both your appearance and your personality, I believe it brings out the best in people.
Your biggest regret?
Not having learned French at school! When I arrived in France almost 11 years ago, I didn't speak a word of French, it was very difficult and very lonely at the beginning, it would have made things easier for me.
Your wildest dream?
To participate in the Olympic Games, I really hope that this dream comes true.
