Above: Coco Miles with Emcee Tijuana in the Ruby Series Final at the 2024 Australian Showjumping Championships.

Coco Miles has built her life around the sport she loves. She has not only embraced the challenges of motherhood, with the arrival of her daughter Olive, but she has also stepped into a significant new role as the High Performance Jumping Manager for Equestrian Australia. In this exclusive interview, we explore the hurdles and triumphs she faces as she navigates this new chapter in her life.

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Coco’s journey into motherhood and her new career path intersected uniquely when she took on the role of High Performance Jumping Manager for Equestrian Australia just six weeks before Olive’s birth. “It was a crazy decision, but one I couldn’t pass up,” she recalls. The timing was less than ideal, considering the pressures of an Olympic year, especially with her predecessor already transitioned to a new role within the FEI.

The challenges of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of a newborn are profound. Coco candidly admits, “Time management has become my biggest challenge. Olive comes first, and I’m grateful she’s been a good baby, but finding the time to ride has been tough.” 

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Despite these challenges, Coco dove back into her responsibilities almost immediately after giving birth. “I took only two weeks of maternity leave before jumping straight back into work meetings, often with Olive on my lap or in a bassinet behind me,” she shares. The commitment to her role is evident, yet Coco’s dedication to her family remains paramount.

The transition back to riding has not been without its obstacles. After giving birth, it took Coco some time to find her rhythm again. “I can be a bit of a perfectionist, so I wanted to jump back in at a competitive level right away, but it took longer than expected to get back on a horse,” she explains. Fortunately, she had the support of her brother, Maverick, who helped keep her horses fit during her time away from the saddle.

Coco’s competitive spirit is as strong as ever, and she is eager to return to top-level competitions. “I would love to compete again at the top level, and I’m more determined than ever to make it happen,” she expresses.

Coco acknowledges the importance of her family in this journey. “My parents have been incredibly supportive, often seen on the sidelines caring for Olive while I compete.”

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Currently with two homebred horses in work, Emcee Tijuana and Emcee Atlas, both bred from her former World Cup mares, Coco has made her comeback to competition, feeling a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.

Above: Coco Miles with Emcee Tijuana.

Above: Coco Miles with Emcee Atlas.

Coco described the initial experience of riding again as both rewarding and challenging. She mentioned that while her muscle memory was intact, her body felt different, lacking the strength and stamina needed to perform as she once did. This disconnect between her mental knowledge of riding and her physical ability was frustrating. She noted that it took several months to regain her strength and balance, emphasising that the physical changes after pregnancy significantly affected her riding. 

As she reflects on her experiences, Coco offers advice to new mothers hoping to continue their riding careers: “Don’t put pressure on yourself. Allow your body time to heal and adapt. Keep fit in other ways, like Pilates, which has been my savior.” This practical approach serves as a reminder that while ambition is admirable, self-compassion is equally essential.

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Coco’s insights reflect a broader understanding of the physical and emotional journey that comes with motherhood and returning to a demanding sport like Jumping. She emphasised kindness to oneself and recognising the challenges that come with such a significant life change, ultimately encouraging new mothers to take things slow and rediscover their passion for riding at their own pace.

As Coco balances the joy of motherhood with her ambitions in the equestrian world, her story serves as an inspiration to many. With a supportive family, a commitment to her career, and a fierce determination to return to competitive riding, it is clear that her heart beats for both her family and her passion for Jumping, making her a true role model in the equestrian community.

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