Lorraine Chappell accredits the support of her husband, Malcolm, for her path of success in horses, and in life. Married for 30 years (“which means we got married when I was five,” she laughs), Lorraine recalls that as an mechanical engineer who owns a manufacturing company, “Mac” was about as far removed from the horse world as you could get when they first met. His role quickly evolved from horse-husband to an integral part of her professional life. “I really couldn’t do it without him,” she says. “He supports me in every way possible. Some husbands are “neutral” and if you’re an enthusiast or hobby rider that’s okay. But horses are relentless, and when you eat, sleep and breathe horses every moment of every day, you need a really understanding partner who does more than tolerate it. My husband is there for all the good, bad, and in-between.”
Mac has rarely swung a leg over the saddle and was never bitten by the horse bug. “We quite often say that is the reason why we’re still married,” she admits. “He’s an excellent eye on the ground and a very smart guy. He understands the technicalities of dressage and has a logical eye, so I think dressage appeals to him in that respect. It’s hard when you’re with the horses so much: it’s easy to get too close, you’re not objective, it gets personal, and it’s very difficult to take a step back. Because he’s an engineer he has a scientific mind and is really good at being a bit more at arm’s length from it all.”
The couple live in Aldergrove, BC, on a five-acre farm with their six horses, miniature pony, donkey, two dogs, and four “spoiled” cats. Helping them look after the menagerie is longtime employee Janet Kozicki. Lorraine, who purchased her first horse at the age of 16 and kept a part-time job at a veterinary clinic to pay board, was admittedly “your classically horse-crazy kid. For as long as I can remember I always found a way to be around them.” Although she comes from a non-horsey family, Lorraine acknowledges the role her parents play in her success, noting that their support comes in many different forms. “My mom will be 80 years old this year and still comes to the horse shows. They were a really good balancing influence; they exist outside of the horse world and sometimes that’s a good place to be.”
Lorraine understands the importance of achieving balance. “Probably the benefit of having done it for more years than I care to remember is that I’ve learned that happiness cannot depend on four legs. People that do this tend to be very achievement-orientated, and dressage seems to grab you in a way that is all-encompassing. I think that we can do a better job for the horses, ourselves, and the people around us if we remember that the sun is going to come up tomorrow.”
Lorraine is excited about the future with her current string of competition horses, two of whom will be travelling to California as she continues training with Markus Gribbe: Dondolo, a nine-year-old Westphalen in his second year doing small tour who spent time in Germany training with Gribbe; and Santini, a six-year-old Oldenburg who Lorraine has raised from a three-week-old foal. “With horses, and dressage especially, it’s easy to think that you’re not as successful as you’d like to be; you’re always reaching and trying and pushing for more. Mac quite often reminds me that I am already successful, and I think you have to remind yourself what success is.”
“I’m often reminded of that Chinese proverb: “if you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I have an amazing husband, a future in the sport, wonderful horses, and I love what I do – it doesn’t get much better than that.”
