Experience with Horses

I have been actively involved with horses from a young age, and have worked in the industry since leaving school, in a variety of yards and disciplines.My career so far includes the role of Yard Manager for two international Grand Prix dressage riders, Yard Manager and rider for a thoroughbred and sport horse stud and production yard for former Olympic Gold medallist, Mary Gordon Watson, and a temporary role as rider for Olympic medallist, Sharon Hunt. I have also worked on hunting and family yards, in either a sole charge or managerial capacity. Whilst I am suited to and adept in a senior/head role, I have always been proud to work as part of a team and like to lead by example whenever possible. Moreover, I am also very happy in a sole charge environment as I am self motivated and see my chosen career as a way of life rather than simply a job.

My role as Yard Manager at Hollington Stud involved a lot of stud work and the rehabilitation of sport horses, racehorses and hunters, which has equipped me with very strong veterinary skills and knowledge. I was also competing the young horses on a regular basis and preparing them for sale, as well as being in  charge of the running of the business, managing staff and training apprentices. I still have a very strong relationship with this employer, who ‘gifted’ my favourite horse to me when I moved on!

I have competed in British Dressage competitions at medium level, and have worked to advanced medium at home. My position as yard manager of an international dressage yard gave me the experience of working horses of Grand Prix level. I have also enjoyed success in eventing (intermediate), team chasing, showing, and show jumping, and have ridden in and run eventing yards as well as dressage.

Having been all the way through Pony Club when younger, I hold my ‘H’ test, and have experience in a wide range of equestrian sports and spheres. I am confident and experienced in handling big horses, stallions and youngsters, and can clip, bandage, trim, pull, plait, drive a 7.5 tonne lorry, and turn out to a very high standard. Due to my interest in equine behaviour, I have also successfully worked with non-loaders. My standards in yard management and horse husbandry are very high, and I am as happy mucking out as I am schooling.

I have also experience with youngstock and foaling, and  enjoy handling and groundwork with youngsters and/or ‘tricky’ horses.

I hold a diploma in Yard Management, and certificates in Equine Behaviour, Care of the Competition Horse, and Equine Science.

During my freelance career I judged working hunter, riding horse, equitation and breed classes, and I also have plenty of teaching experience.

Being very lightweight, I am able to ride and school small ponies, whilst simultaneously confident and capable of riding big sport horses to a high level.

 

Key Skills

I have particularly strong veterinary knowledge, and have a keen interest in this area.

Self-motivated and extremely reliable, I am well suited to sole charge roles that carry a lot of responsibility. I also consider my leadership and organisational skills to be very good.  Further key strengths include general stable management (I love mucking out and sweeping!) and horse husbandry, handling youngstock, and turning out for shows.

I also clip, plait, trim, bandage etc to a high standard.

I hold a first class honours degree in English, and therefore have strong communication and administrative skills.

I enjoy working with others as well as on my own, and have been in charge of the apprentices’ education in several different roles.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?  Seeing shiny, happy horses tucked up in immaculate beds at the end of every day! Being lucky enough to earn a living and form a way of life doing what I love. I also love the fact that whatever the role I am in, I am constantly learning about horses.

 

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

As my current role is in a slower paced environment, I am probably not as fast as I was when working on the bigger yards, but due to my good level of fitness I am confident I will be able to return to the speed I used to be at in a short space of time. I also continually strive to keep learning as much as possible.

Whilst I am predominantly a dressage/flatwork rider, I enjoy jumping but have not had the opportunity to do so over the last five years. For this reason, I would probably require some training to enhance my skills in this area if it were to be a necessary part of the role.

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

My commitment and dedication to a life with horses is above average, and the welfare of the horses in my care is of top priority to me. I am very honest, 100% reliable, always do my best to maintain a sunny disposition even in the most trying of circumstances!

Requirements

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

I am looking for a senior role in an environment that likes to maintain professional standards, ideally on a smaller yard

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

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

I own a 5 year old thoroughbred, whom I am currently rehabbing after KS surgery, who would need daily turnout. He has two friends, both unridden: A 15hh connemara cross and a 12.3hh welsh b (both geldings), who currently both live out 24/7 but could be stabled at night to save on grazing if necessary. Whilst I appreciate this is a huge ask of any prospective employer, the two ponies are of enormous help as they keep the young thoroughbred calm, and also ensure that I am not relying on my employer’s horses for turnout company;  I am able to exercise and turnout the TB early in the mornings before work, thus not encroaching on working hours.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments? None

 

• Do you have any holidays booked that an employer needs to know of? None