We ask Hanako Varian, wife of horse racing trainer Roger Varian, about her life, work and passions.
What was your childhood or earliest ambition?
To have a horse in my garden and to become a vet.
University or straight into work?
I first moved to England when I was 18 and studied at the Royal Veterinary College in London. My English wasn’t up to standard so I struggled. I then went to Hartpury College, University of the West of England, where I graduated with a BSc in Equine Science.
Who was (or still is) your mentor?
I always said I never had one. But now I will say my parents, because of the way they brought me up when I was young to be a strong, independent girl. They sent me to England for a couple of months by myself with a big suitcase, like Paddington Bear, when I was 10 years old. I had to fly via Alaska because there was no direct flight then between Japan and England. I went to an international school in East Sussex and enjoyed it so much I went back again the next year when I was 11.
How physically fit are you?
After two babies, not as fit as I would like to be. I plan to start riding regularly again this summer.
Ambition or talent: which matters more to success?
Ambition. Not all of us have talent but if you push yourself hard enough, I am sure the door will open. You need an open mind, observation and the ability to ‘read the air’.
How politically committed are you?
I try to follow what is happening around the world in politics, but I am not actively committed to any agenda.
Do you consider your carbon footprint?
Yes. The climate of the earth is changing and we are experiencing extreme weather. We are acutely aware of this in Japan. Everyone has a responsibility to the next generation for them to live in a safe and comfortable environment.
What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?
I would like to have an indoor riding arena, and I would like to own my own company.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
I am happy to spend my money on the kids, horses and shoes!
In what place are you happiest?
Professionally I am happiest
in a situation which is positively challenging. Personally I am happiest when I am close to horses.
What ambitions do you still have?
I would like to start and own my own business which in turn could contribute to the local community, and I would like to support retired racehorses.
What drives you on?
I love a challenge – I am driven by new challenges. I like the chance to turn around a difficult situation. And I try to be different from the next person.
What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
My greatest achievement is the birth of our children, Momoka and Eiji, and to continue working during this time. I was not at
all maternal, so it is something that I never thought would happen to me.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
Not finishing Royal Veterinary College because my English was not up to standard – because of this I could not become a vet, which was my dream.
If your 20-year-old self could see you now, what would she think?
I would think I am a little overweight – oh, and I can speak English now!
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you do?
I would move to somewhere warm and grow my own supplies and have a simple life. I love agriculture.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
I have never thought about it much, but I think more so people’s spirit remains for ever in other people.
If you had to rate your satisfaction with your life so far, out of 10, what would you score?
9.9.
