The Journey On Podcast: Episode Featuring Tim Price

Host: Warwick Schiller
Guest: Tim Price
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller engages in an in-depth conversation with Tim Price, a renowned Olympic eventer from New Zealand. Recorded live at Ekwatana in Melbourne, Australia—the nation's largest and most prestigious horse expo—the episode delves into Tim's journey from his early days on a New Zealand farm to competing at the highest levels of eventing, including three Olympic Games.

Early Life and Introduction to Horses

Tim Price's affinity for horses began on his family's farm in Oxford, near Christchurch, New Zealand. Growing up as one of three boys, Tim spent his childhood immersed in the farm's daily activities, which were inseparable from horse-related tasks.

• Farm Life Integration:
  Tim Price [06:11]: "I grew up on a sheep and wheat farm. It was just riding a horse and a pony was just like riding a bike."

• Early Responsibilities:
  Tim took on significant responsibilities from a young age, including serving mares and breaking in horses, fostering a deep understanding and respect for these animals.

Key Insight: Tim's early experiences cultivated a natural rapport with horses, laying the foundation for his future career in eventing.

Path to Eventing

Tim's transition into eventing was a natural progression from his childhood horse riding. Initially, his focus was more on horse management and breaking in horses rather than competitive aspirations.

• Starting in Eventing:
  Tim Price [08:20]: "I was just a guy breaking in a lot of horses and mucking around with everything that mum and dad were doing on the farm."

• Initial Competitions:
  Participating in local show jumping and pony club activities allowed Tim to gain experience, albeit without a clear vision of reaching the elite levels.

Key Insight: Tim's grassroots involvement provided him with practical skills, though his competitive ambitions were not immediately defined.

Challenges and Growth in the UK

At around 18-19 years old, Tim took a pivotal step by self-funding his move to the UK to pursue eventing more seriously. This period was marked by financial strain, physical exhaustion, and incremental progress.

• Moving to the UK:
  Tim Price [16:04]: "I originally went over with one horse to the UK, which I owned, I fundraised and things back in New Zealand to get the horse over there."

• Breaking into Eventing:
  Tim spent years honing his skills by breaking in tough horses, gradually earning a reputation for handling challenging equine athletes.

• Mentorship and Influences:
  Observing elite riders like Fox, Pitt, and Andrew Nicholson became instrumental. Tim meticulously analyzed their techniques, focusing on specific aspects such as hand movements and leg positions.

  Warwick Schiller [25:20]: "One of the most spiritual... focus on the detail... it's so true."

Notable Quote:
Tim Price [25:42]: "It's so true. And yeah, whilst I was in awe of these guys, I think I was taking a lot on board with just what they were doing in those different areas."

Key Insight: Persistent dedication, coupled with strategic observation and self-improvement, enabled Tim to elevate his performance despite numerous obstacles.

Olympic Experiences

Tim Price competed in three Olympic Games: Rio (2016), Tokyo (2020), and Paris (2024). Each Olympics presented unique challenges and lessons.

1. Rio 2016:
   As a traveling reserve, Tim was thrust into competition unexpectedly due to an injury of a fellow rider's horse. Despite performing well in dressage, a mishap during cross-country led to his elimination.

   • Unexpected Participation:
     Warwick Schiller [46:16]: "Most people have five years to think about competing at the Olympics. You had, I'm not competing at the Olympics to, oh, tomorrow I'm competing at the Olympics."

   • Elimination Experience:
     Tim Price [47:07]: "I fell over on a turn... And I just hopped off him. So then I was eliminated."

2. Tokyo 2020:
   Returning with increased confidence and better preparation, Tim faced his second Olympic challenge. However, his horse fell ill with a virus, affecting their performance and resulting in three rails down during the team round.

   • Preparation and Setbacks:
     Tim Price [48:27]: "My horse got sick when I got there to Tokyo... and we had three rails down in the team round. So that was really disappointing."

3. Paris 2024:
   Tim's latest Olympic outing saw him nearing the podium, finishing sixth amidst fierce competition and exceptionally high performances from his peers.

   • Near Podium Finish:
     Tim Price [50:17]: "I came sixth but I was just behind the podium. I really wanted a podium but just little margins played in."

Key Insight: Each Olympic appearance taught Tim resilience and adaptability, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of elite-level competition.

Mental Approach and Overcoming Fear

A significant theme throughout the conversation is the mental fortitude required in eventing. Tim discusses his strategies for handling fear, disappointment, and the psychological demands of high-stakes competitions.

• Dealing with Fear and Failure:
  Tim emphasizes the importance of accepting failure and not denying reality during falls. He learned to manage his reactions post-incident, allowing himself to process emotions briefly before moving forward.

  Warwick Schiller [42:19]: "You can't change a habit if you're not aware of it."

• Process Over Outcome:
  Aligning with principles akin to Karma Yoga, Tim focuses on disciplined preparation and execution without fixating on the results.

  Warwick Schiller [55:56]: "Karma Yoga is focusing on a task with no thought as to the outcome of that task."

  Tim Price [55:34]: "It's process oriented rather than outcome oriented."

• Self-Awareness and Habit Formation:
  Tim highlights the role of self-awareness in developing new habits and improving performance. By isolating specific components of his riding, he was able to make incremental changes that led to significant improvements.

Notable Quote:
Tim Price [54:08]: "I just want to be totally prepared, very disciplined in my approach to it with my training and my preparation of these amazing horses."

Key Insight: Mental resilience and a focus on the process are crucial for sustained success and personal growth in high-pressure environments.

Transition to Personal Style and Authenticity

Over time, Tim cultivated his unique riding style, moving away from emulating others to developing an authentic approach that reflects his strengths and experiences.

• Developing Personal Style:
  Tim Price [53:19]: "I was observing and learning and then... I'm now me."

• Embracing Individuality:
  This evolution allowed Tim to concentrate on execution and enjoy the sport more fully, rather than being encumbered by external expectations.

Key Insight: Authenticity and personal alignment in one's approach foster greater satisfaction and effectiveness in one's endeavors.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Tim reflecting on his journey, emphasizing the importance of discipline, preparation, and maintaining a positive relationship with one's horses. He aspires to continue competing until retirement while ensuring both he and his horses remain happy and healthy.

• Future Aspirations:
  Tim Price [57:17]: "I just, just like to do well at some big competitions and then retire happy and healthy."

• Host's Appreciation:
  Warwick commends Tim's outlook and shares how the conversation can resonate beyond the equestrian community, offering universal lessons on persistence, mental strength, and personal growth.

Key Insight: Tim's story serves as an inspiring blueprint for achieving excellence through dedication, mental resilience, and authentic personal development.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Warwick Schiller [00:45]: "Tim has risen to the elite level of a dangerous sport and he didn't get there by chance."
• Tim Price [02:12]: "It's fun and you make a good plan. You believe in your horse and tackle it."
• Warwick Schiller [25:20]: "It's about focusing on the details."
• Tim Price [55:34]: "It's process oriented rather than outcome oriented."

Closing Remarks

Warwick Schiller wraps up the episode by thanking Tim for his insightful and inspiring story. Listeners are encouraged to apply the lessons learned from Tim's experiences to various aspects of their own lives, regardless of their involvement in the equestrian world.

Connect with Tim Price:
While Tim mentioned he doesn't have active social media profiles, listeners can follow his journey through his performances at major competitions and future episodes of The Journey On Podcast.

Join the Journey:
For more empowering conversations and mindful nuggets of wisdom, subscribe to The Journey On Podcast and follow Warwick Schiller on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.