I am Sophia Banks, 20 years old from cumbria. I have a very large passionate for all animals.

from my previous experiences and challenges I have learnt that I can work well under pressure and organise myself with given tasks, achieving these to a high standard. I am confident in working both as an individual or in a team. I have gained experiences in a number of different fields, these being hospitality, animal care focusing mostly on the equine industry, child minding and house keeping. I have recently over the past 4 years branched out into lambing, kennel work and small amounts of other livestock work. This has provided me with a more well rounded knowledge of animal demands and needs. with not only previously working on an active race yard but aIso with my own horse, I have a well trained eye for detail. having the ability to spot illnesses and injury arising. I pride myself on being friendly, hard worker who is willing to take on any given task.

my main interests are animals. I started developing a love for them at a young age, ranging from guinea pigs to horses, dogs and sheep. I am passionate about making sure every animal is very well cared for to live a happy healthy life. Whilst being self employed and doing business studies at GCSE, I enjoy keeping organised. I have grown to learn how to do paper work and basic book keeping, previously at The Strickland Arms I also carried out online bookings, paper work and stock orders. in my spare time you will either find me on my horse or a dog walk.

I previously did my education at Ullswater Community College

NCFE CACHE level 2 technical award in child development

BTEC level 2 award in animal care

GCSE business studies

GCSE’s including math, English, science and geography

Scottish Racing Academy national group awards

• National Progression Award Racing Yard Routine SCQF Level 5
• National Progression Award Specialist Racehorse Care SCQF Level 5
• National Progression Award Thoroughbred Preparation SCQF Level 5

I have many of experiences in different job roles, these include:

Dianne Sayer Racing 2021-2024           Yard and safety management

• Responsible for the daily yard duties- mucking out, feeding and watering
• exercising: lunging and riding round the roads
• maintaining an organised, clean yard- it is important to me for a yard to stay tidy and clean for the best working environment. This enables everyone including the horses to be safe and reduce risks cross contamination

Strickland Arms 2018-2022.            Front and back of house team member

• managing food orders and stock with the kitchen and bar
• welcoming guests on reception, showing them to their guest room
• serving customers on the bar
• organising, cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen, bar and dining room
• assisting guests with any enquiries and solving any issues they may have

Lambing Freelance

• dozing ewes and lambs
• assisting ewes with birth
• turning out ewes and lambs

Applegarth Foods

• front staff- serving food, teas and coffee
• maintaining a high standard of food hygiene in the kitchen when preparing food
• preparation of food orders

Child Minding

looking after children from ages 0-5. Whilst working at one of my jobs I started regularly child minding for them. this involving interacting with the children, nappy changing, feeding and looking after them to the best of my ability.

I have also recently been doing work for local kennels and local vets helping with the mares during AI time.