Aaron Hadlow has always taken a thoughtful, measured approach to his career. Known on the Australian Jumping circuit for producing horses carefully and competing with consistency rather than haste, his recent chapter overseas marked a significant turning point, both professionally and personally.

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Aaron’s grounding in the sport began early, shaped by family involvement and pony club, and carried through to senior success at home, including winning the Australian World Cup League in the 2018–2019 season. But despite that achievement, he felt there was a gap in his experience. “I’d never actually experienced going overseas properly,” he says. Watching a World Cup Final from the sidelines proved to be a catalyst. “It opened my eyes immensely. I thought I was quick, but compared to them, I wasn’t.”

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That realisation stayed with him. When the opportunity arose to take his ambitions to Europe, Aaron committed fully. The plan had originally been America, but Europe became the more practical option. “We planned it eight or nine months before we went,” he explains. “I didn’t really know anyone over there, so it was stressful trying to line everything up.”

The move came with immediate challenges. Just nine weeks before departure, Aaron fractured the top of his femur, leaving him unable to ride until days before flying out. While the horse transport and logistics were handled by owners and supporters during his recovery, it meant he arrived in Europe without firsthand experience of the complex administrative demands of international competition. “That actually caught me out later,” he says, particularly around vaccination requirements and international compliance. A minor lapse resulted in a substantial fine. “There was no leniency, even though it was only a few days out with the vaccination.”

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Based primarily in Belgium and the Netherlands, Aaron worked initially for Alan Waldman, before later spending time riding for Ernesto Canceco. Being employed in established yards helped ease some logistical pressure, particularly with transport and paperwork. “When you’re with someone who knows the system, it makes a big difference,” he says. “The transport companies do the papers, the horses arrive, and you just get on with your job.”

Competition, however, was a steep learning curve. His first international show nearly unravelled due to unfamiliar entry procedures. “I didn’t even realise you had to physically go to the show office and confirm classes,” he says. Despite the confusion, the results were strong. He jumped with one rail in his first ranking class, won a class the following day, and quickly proved he could hold his own. “The results were good,” he reflects, “but the fundamentals of how it all worked were a disaster because I had no experience.”

Aaron made deliberate choices around horse management, opting not to chase every opportunity. With only one top horse, he was careful not to overdo it. “All my eggs were in one basket,” he says. “You can’t just keep pushing through every season without breaking a horse down.” He gave his mare extended time off during the European summer, prioritising long-term soundness over short-term results.

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Away from competition, the personal challenge of living overseas became increasingly significant. “It wasn’t homesickness,” Aaron explains. “It was loneliness.” Language barriers, long days working largely alone, and being far removed from family and close friends took a toll. “You don’t realise how important that safety net is until it’s gone,” he says. “Everyone finishes their horses and goes home to their families. You go back to a unit by yourself.”

Those months reshaped his perspective on the sport. He became clearer about the type of horseman he wants to be. “I realised I’m not a dealer. I’m a producer,” Aaron says. He also gained a more nuanced view of the European system. “People think Europe is full of better horses, but I’ve never seen so many unsound horses in my life. A lot are overproduced very young.”

As circumstances changed, including the sale of his main competition horse, Aaron began reassessing his position. Riding client horses without a clear pathway forward, combined with mounting costs and mental fatigue, led to a difficult decision. “I just woke up one day and thought, what am I actually doing here?” he says. Within weeks, he chose to return home earlier than planned.

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Coming back to Australia has been, in his words, bittersweet. Surrounded by family and young horses, but without a current competition ride, he finds himself in transition. “That’s been the hardest part,” he admits. “I’m a bit lost at the moment, but I’m just taking it week by week.”

Despite the challenges, Aaron does not see the experience as a negative one. “I had a phenomenal first year,” he says. “I was lucky, and I learned a huge amount.” His advice to others considering Europe is clear. “You need a really solid support system,” he says. “Europe gives you self-doubt. You need people behind you.”

Looking ahead, his focus remains on producing horses well and building toward the future with patience. “I love seeing where a horse can get to,” Aaron says. “That curiosity is what keeps me going.”

You can listen to the full interview with Aaron on the ‘All Clear’ podcast. Available now on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4ocwBRa
Spotify: https://bit.ly/44gb6YE
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4oYFqzx

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