JULIA Battams has always had a passion for horses. She spends all of her time, energy and money keeping the Balmoral Equestrian Centre in Narre Warren North running - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's not a money thing. I love what I do. I do long hours, but I'm doing what I love, so it's not a job to me at all."
Julia initially trained as a teacher, but it didn't take her long to realise the classroom wasn't for her.
"I hated it, it was awful," she says. "You couldn't put me in an office now. I love what I do. I love competing, but I also love training the horses and being able to show that training off.
"The horses give you so much. They are such big, powerful animals ... it is really humbling."
Next week, the centre will showcase its five European horses in an annual stallion show when Julia will put her charges through their paces. They include veteran grand prix performer Figaro - aged 23 - and Clint Eastwood, who is now training at an international level.
Julia has high hopes for Clint. "He's got a lot of good paces and a trainable nature. He still gets a bit stage struck but that will come with practice."
Balmoral Equestrian Centre Stallion Show, 6pm July 18, at 299 Harkaway Road, Narre Warren North. Details: 97969519 or www.balmoral.info
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