Experience with Horses

Whilst I have been working in corporate finance for the best part of the last ten years; prior to this I worked as a groom across several disciplines including showing, hunting, showjumping and racing (inc. riding out).  Since I stopped grooming in 2014, I have maintained my own personal warmblood horses and a handful of native ponies.

Between 2014 – 2020, my horses and ponies were based at Bluewood Stud in Sussex (now closed).  During my time at Bluewood Stud, alongside producing two young Trakehner horses (one a stallion), I got as involved as possible in the breeding and young stock operations – as my time allowed.  I was fortunate to gain hands on experience foaling and handling / riding covering stallions.

Since leaving Bluewood Stud in 2020, I have continued to ride and produce my young horses.  Most recently, I imported a mare from Holland in the spring of 2023, and with some help from Jason Webb – she is now riding away.  I intend to carrying on producing her for either the purposes of dressage or potentially jumping – she has a stellar, but interesting pedigree!

My stable management skills extend to all you would expect – basic veterinary care, turn out (I have dabbled in showing, so love a bit of spit and polish!), clipping, driving a 3.5t horsebox, bandaging, all general yard work and exercise riding.

Key Skills

I am fastidiously tidy and organised.  I believe that no yard can run efficiently and effectively without robust structure and order.

Additionally, I am confident with communication as this is also paramount.

My horse specific key skills are stallion work and having the patience for young and green horses.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Watching the learning and training process unfold with young horses.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to become a more accomplished rider.  Whilst I have the confidence to ride most horses, I would love to evolve my technical riding knowledge and step that up to the next level.  Due to mainly having young horses, the emphasis with my riding has mainly been to just get on with it and think forward;  over the fast four years I have had little opportunity to ride more established horses.

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

I believe that my corporate career has provided me with many transferable skills that I can use alongside my existing equestrian skills.

I understand how to conduct myself in a professional and productive manner.  I am able to liaise with internal and external stakeholders of any business at all levels.

And without sounding cliché – I live and breathe horses!  I believe that you never stop learning and I am a sponge when it comes to obtaining as much knowledge as I can.  This is the reason for my decision to change career path.

Requirements

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

The opportunity to get involved in the management of the business – whether that’s assisting with the logistics of international competition or just making sure the day is day is organised – such as feed deliveries, farriers and vets.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes.

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

My horse (Dora) – she is perfectly behaved and just seems to roll with the punches.  I do have a young Labrador – I would love to bring him too – but this isn’t essential as he could stay at home with my parents.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

No.

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

No.