People of Azeroth: Jeannette Lane, former horse jumping champion.
A recent photo of the Jeannette Lane.
“What’s your career path ever since you retired from jumping?“
"Well, I didn’t go to school after my recovery, the scholarship was gone, so as you know, I was a waitress for about a year at the Ship In'A Bottle, I was a book putter-awayer, I guess? For this library in the mage quarter. Uh, let’s see. I’m a courier for now… Looking for something new at the moment.”
“I see, I see. What advice would you give to someone considering entering equestrianism?”
“Pick the right horse. Sabel, my, uh, old show horse, she was difficult with others but melded well with me. You’re supposed to be a team out there, it’s not just you, and it’s not just the horse. It’s a balance. And uh, wear a helmet, and never ride alone. You can kiss your dreams goodbye if you do something stupid…”
“You said in a local newspaper interview when you were fifteen that your advice to anyone starting out in horse sports was to check the girth, never ride alone, and wear a helmet. Since your accident, has your advice changed?”
“No, not at all. In fact, my mistake should be a lesson to up-and-coming riders, and a reminder to seasoned professionals. Wearing a helmet would’ve saved my health and career. My tale should be a cautionary one.”
“Your words are wise, that’s for certain… ah… Do you see yourself returning to show jumping?”
“Do I see myself returning..? For -performing- the sport? I’m not sure. Perhaps as a coach, like I used to have. I haven’t ridden a horse or even been near once since, so it’s hard to say I’ll jump again… but to say I never thought about dusting off the saddle would be a lie. Those were the good ol’ days, Kankor! … I made my parents very proud. My peak, so far.”
“Aye… Your peek, so far. But, anyway, high hopes for you there. Ahem. Where have you been hiding out ever since you retired? Do people recognize you still?”
A photo of Jean riding Sabel as a young girl.
“Thank you, Kankor. Well, Stormwind, honestly. My family moved here because traveling from deep into Elwynn to the city was time consuming, and we were running out of money. We sold everything and moved here and I’ve been living in the same place ever since. Up until recently, I’m in the process of moving to a new apartment, out of my par- my mom’s house, sorry. “
“As for the recognizing part? No, at least not like I used to, obviously, but there are times someone will recognize me. For example, I went out to get drinks with this guy some few nights ago, like a date, I guess, and he asked for an autograph halfway through. I obliged, of course, but it’s funny in hindsight.”
“Very exciting to hear. You’ve got a bright path ahead of you, Miss Lane. But, anyway, tell about your recovery process!
"The only doctors who were specialists worked in Stormwind. And I lived on the opposite side of Elwynn, and traveling back and forth at first was very hard. And, uh, my parents didn’t have my brother to take care of anymore, so they just… packed up and sold everything. Moved to where we’re sitting right now actually. But because of that, there was a lot of financial problems, which ultimately ended in my parent’s divorce. After my spinal surgery and after my depressed skull fracture was healed, I had to learn a lot of basic function again. I had a really lovely nurse, her name is escaping me at the moment… But she helped me get used to my back brace. Taught me plenty of exercises to strengthen my core and back muscles. It was annoying. I was very upset to be there for as long as I was, several months. But figured when I got out I would ride again, but I now have chronic back pain. Horse sports sort of got taken away from me. I take medication every day now, and probably will for the rest of my life. And it’s something I’m currently working to get over.”
“Very tough times, it sounds. You must be a tough one, Miss Lane! Ahem, could you tell me what you’ve been pursuing after your recovery?”
“Right after my recovery, I was in just this pit of anger and sadness. I kept to myself for many years. Only until recently have I opened up just a bit more. I’ve made new friends. I dated, which, at the time, was unheard of. I traveled a lot. I was employed. I’m currently just trying to find a new place to live in the city and going back to school. Since my scholarship is now invalid, I guess, I’ll have to pay out of pocket. But I guess, to put it in a nutshell, I’m pursuing bettering myself right now. I think it’s about time I get out of this pit I’ve been in for five years.”
“That’s admirable of you! To better yourself is to better not only your own life, but all those around you as well! What was your biggest source of support during the recovery time?”
“My mother and father. They came and visited every day until they had to go. My grandmother visited me as well. My auntie and cousins… Pretty much my family and my nurse. As much as I resented their help and pity at the time, in hindsight, I do appreciate it.”
A younger Jean aged 14. A candid at a contest
“Ah, that’s good to hear. Help in a time of need is something to truly be cherished, if not in the moment, then in the future. But, we’re coming to a close! Have you had any recent achievements?”
"Well, let’s see. Aside from my epiphany to better myself, I’ve signed a lease for my first home myself, I’m employed now, I’m a godmother to two beautiful babies. And I’m going to be another to one of my own. I am… I’m pregnant!”
“Congratulations! When is your due date?”
Jeannette Lane was a former horse jumping champion in her younger years, earning many a title. She had to discontinue due to her injuries, but life is looking up for the retired horse jumper! The Royal Courier congratulates Ms. Lane on her pregnancy and thanks her for allowing us to catch up with the former champion.
