Chemical engineer swaps lab for horses – and boosts his profession

A chemical engineer who took up driving as a approach to loosen up exterior the lab has praised horses for serving to him along with his analysis tasks, and recommends different professionals take up the game.

Prabhuraj Balakrishnan used to go jogging with buddies at Wythenshawe Park to unwind whereas finding out for his PhD on the College of Manchester in 2012, and when he incessantly noticed riders within the park he determined to attempt a brand new pastime.

“Watching folks hacking throughout the park sparked my curiosity in horses,” the 31-year-old physician instructed H&H.

“I began happening hacks with Wythenshawe Park Using Stables and it motivated me to study extra, so I began group classes and later took up non-public classes.”

Prabhuraj, who was a finalist within the Establishment of Chemical Engineers younger researcher of the yr award 2020, mentioned he quickly realised driving has psychological, in addition to bodily, advantages.

“My analysis meant I used to be at all times working in labs so I used to be on the lookout for one thing totally different to do. I attempted different sports activities however driving felt fully totally different. It builds your bodily power, but additionally your psychological power since you’re coping with a 1,000lb animal,” he mentioned.

“I used to really feel rejuvenated after driving and consider stress-free on the weekend with horses led me to do nicely in my analysis.”

Prabhuraj has continued to take weekly classes and significantly enjoys showjumping.

“The employees on the driving college are at all times so affected person. To start out with I might make so many errors and had quite a few falls, and at one level thought possibly driving wasn’t for me, however they have been at all times so good and inspiring,“ he mentioned.

“I might actually suggest driving to different individuals who need to attempt it. It’s not like different sports activities the place it’s only one individual, you’re a group together with your horse and you must construct that chemistry and it’s a great way to make new buddies too.”

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