I have been around horses consistently for 27 years, having started riding at the age of three. My journey began with basic yard duties and grooming, which I developed further through volunteering at my local riding school from the age of 10. I assisted with mucking out, grooming, leading beginner riders, and riding young ponies that needed bringing on for the school.

During my teenage years, I loaned a variety of horses, starting with a young cob I helped bring on, followed by an Arab with sharp but promising jumping potential. At 16, I transitioned to a hunting yard, where I worked with Irish Sport Horses and a Gelderlander, hunting with the Belvoir for three seasons before moving to South Notts Hunt. My main responsibilities included looking after hunt horses, working in the kennels, and preparing horses for hunting, including bringing on four 3-year-old Irish Sport Horses from Ireland—one of whom I kept for myself.

I have extensive experience working with youngsters, backing and producing them for sale or further training. I take immense pride in instilling good ground manners and enjoy watching their confidence and personalities grow. My knowledge extends to exercise routines tailored to age, fitness level, and temperament, as well as impeccable turnout standards—having plaited, groomed, and presented horses to a high level, including a grey belonging to the whipper-in at South Notts Hunt.

Alongside my equestrian background, I have worked full-time in administrative and customer service roles, balancing employment with my passion for horses. My current role as an employment advisor has strengthened my ability to communicate and build strong relationships with people from all walks of life, a skill that translates well to working in a team environment on a yard.

At present, I am loaning a 4-year-old Thoroughbred, focusing on confidence-building, fitness, and groundwork using pole work, long-reining, and lunging alongside riding. I am looking for an opportunity to work with horses full-time, ideally abroad, to fulfill my lifelong dream.

Key Skills

• Strong connection and communication with horses, particularly youngsters
• Experienced in handling, backing, and producing young horses
• Excellent turnout skills (plaiting, clipping, bandaging, and bathing)
• Confident handling sharp, fit, and high-energy horses, including stallions
• Extensive experience in hunting, showjumping, and groundwork
• Great teamwork skills, adaptable to yard routines and management preferences
• High level of responsibility and common sense in yard work
• Strong work ethic, comfortable with early mornings and long hours
• Excellent people skills from customer service and advisory roles

Strengths and Weaknesses

What do you most enjoy about working with horses?
I love building a connection with horses, especially youngsters, and seeing them grow in confidence and ability. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a horse develop trust and learn under my guidance. Working with horses is not just a job for me—it’s a passion that feels ingrained in my DNA.

Is there anything you’d like to improve?
While I have strong groundwork and backing experience, I would love to gain further training in more specialized areas, such as classical dressage or professional competition grooming.

Why should employers consider you above any other job seeker?
I bring not only years of hands-on equestrian experience but also a strong work ethic, adaptability, and excellent people skills. I thrive in both independent and team environments, am highly reliable, and take pride in maintaining the highest standards of horse care.

Requirements

What would you like to do or gain in your next job?
I want to transition into working full-time with horses, ideally abroad, gaining further experience in equine care, training, and competition preparation.

Do you need accommodation?
Yes, if the role is located away from my current home.

Do you have any special requirements for any animals you wish to bring with you?
No special requirements.

Do you have any ongoing commitments?
No, I am fully available and only need to work a one-month notice period.

Do you have any holidays booked that an employer needs to know of?
No holidays booked.