Experience with Horses

Riding:

I am currently producing a young 5 year old dressage bred (Ceasar 171) pony who I backed and rode away alongside my Dad (who is a professional breaker for the Royal Sandringham Studs). We backed him as a 3 year old and through this process, I have learnt valuable lessons in how to start young horses from handling to groundwork and long lining and also the laying over and riding away process. We qualified for the young Pony 4 year old Championships at Hartpury last year in 2024.

I have previously trained my part Welsh pony to BD Elementary level, and we were squadded at C+ level for the BD Youth programme in 2023. We were selected to represent the South & East region at the Home Nations Championship in July 2023. I have completed the Pony Club horse care certificates at level D, D+, C and C+. We have competed at many Regional and National pony club events including the National PC Dressage Championships at Intermediate, Open and freestyle to music levels. We also won the Junior Elementary National Riding Club Championship in 2022.

Grooming:

I have two years’ experience working full time on professional Dressage yards, including a dressage stud where I gained experience with fit competition horses in full training, young stock, mares and foals, and handling stallions. I am currently working on a dressage yard in Norfolk where I am awaiting an assessment date for the completion of my level 2 British Dressage Apprenticeship qualification, which should take place in the coming weeks.

In addition to the full-time work experience, I have looked after my own ponies over the past 6 years and completed my year 10 high school work experience placement as a yard groom at World Horse Welfare in 2022. I have also worked at our local riding school helping out over the summer prior to this.

Key Skills

I am extremely dedicated to pursuing a career in dressage and I love working as a team on a busy yard. My key skills are team working with others, and I am also able to work unsupervised to a high standard. I can manage the care of fit competition horses on a day-to-day basis with good attention to detail and high standards. I can turn out horses ready for shows, bandaging, and lunging and ridden exercising.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Everything; particularly seeing the process of them improve over time. I have learnt that it is a lot of hard work, but the hard work pays off if you are patient but consistent and sympathetic to their training needs. I also like to learn from those who have been in the industry a long time as I wish to pursue a dressage career myself one day.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I wish to take on a working pupil/ level3 apprenticeship with riding opportunities so I can further my riding experience on bigger horses. I have had the opportunity to ride horses a previous position, which I really enjoyed, and I am looking to be able to further this experience under the training of a professional. I would also like the opportunity to go away to shows and carryout some competition grooming also. I would also really appreciate the mentorship and coaching from a professional on my young pony, as I have plans to produce him up the levels as an FEI Prospect.

• Why should employers consider you above any other job seeker?

I am very keen and self-motivated to learn. I am empathetic of how I care for horses as they are my passion. I have high working standards and a willingness to learn with a positive attitude to team working at all times. I am reliable when working unsupervised and ensure the work I carry out is done to the best of my ability. I would love to represent the yard I work for with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Requirements

• What would you like to do or gain in your next job?

Working Pupil position with riding opportunities.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes, if further than 45 minutes from Norwich

• Do you have any special requirements for any animals you wish to bring with you?

I would ideally like to bring my young pony with me on livery as to continue my plans to produce him to FEI level.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Awaiting level 2 assessment date. I would also need to provide my current employer notice if was to leave.

• Do you have any holidays booked that an employer needs to know of?

No