Experience with Horses

I’m 23y/o rider looking for an opportunity to work on a dressage yard under someone prepared to invest time into developing me further as a rider. Further opportunities to compete would be a real bonus.

Despite coming from a non-horsey background, I have been around horses my whole life starting out at riding schools, before getting my first loan pony aged 13, and my first own horse at 16. Since then I’ve owned 4 of my own, all of which I have produced to compete successfully in eventing and dressage. In my final years at school I did weekend work at my local hunt kennels, and when I completed my A levels at school I then opted to do an apprenticeship at MPF Horse talent. After completing my apprenticeship and gaining my qualification I stayed at MPF for a further 6 months whilst I started to build up my own freelance client base and then when I had enough work I left MPF to freelance full time (March 2021). This year marks 4 years since I started freelancing and I have really enjoyed it. The majority of my work as been riding in the form of schooling jumping and hacking, and I’ve had the odd chance to go for lessons and compete with clients horses along the way. In addition I do offer grooming services such as clipping, show turnout, and yard/house holiday cover.

Towards the end of last year I decided it was time to maybe start thinking about moving onto a new job where I could be part of a team, and that would push me to develop and progress more as a rider and all-round horse person. As my passion for dressage has grown, I decided a dressage yard felt like the right direction to be heading in. Living in the North, I knew this would most likely mean moving away from home.

In October, a live-in part-time maternity cover position came available at ‘Park End Equestrian’, an event yard 40 mins away from home which I felt was the perfect chance for me to move out from home and get to grips with being self sufficient as well as get back into a yard environment without committing to a major move straight away. That is where I currently work, and around my hours here I am continuing to freelance, in addition to a further opportunity I’ve had to ride 1-2 mornings a week at ‘Team Chapman Equestrian’ a dressage yard in North Yorkshire.

I’m really enjoying my ‘new work-life’ however I know this will be coming to an end when the maternity role ends in August so I’m wanting to prepare early to leave time for the ‘right’ opportunity to come up.

My competitive experience on my home-produced horses includes Showjumping to 1.10, eventing up to BE100 including qualifying and competing two horses for Badminton Grassroots in 2023 and 2024 at BE90 level, and BD up to Medium level (now training adv med) with a successful competition record. I am actively involved with BD Youth, was selected for the foundation and national academies in 2024, and have been 2025 youth squad assessed at A level. Prior to buying my now medium dressage horse I hadn’t ridden above a novice level test so I have produced this horse from prelim level up whilst learning myself at the same time. I’d love work somewhere where I could have the chance to ride some more advanced horses to learn from.

 

 

Key Skills

With my existing work experience I find it very easy to switch between working independently and as a team. I am quick thinking, I work with initiative and common sense, and I have good communication and time keeping skills. Once I know what the plan is I get my head down and get to work. I take pride in good turnout both of the horses and the yard. I love plaiting and show prep! I’m a patient sensitive rider and get on well with horses who need confidence from their rider.

Non-equine skills include being technically minded and being creative when it comes to making videos and content for social media.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I love being around horses, getting to know their individual personalities, and the whole process and journey around producing a horse which is slightly different with every horse you come across

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I’d like to further develop my riding to progress up the levels

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

I am an extremely hardworking and passionate person who always puts the horse first.  I am super committed, always prepared to get stuck in and in the right place I could be am employee for life. I would like to think taking me on could be an exciting opportunity not only for me but for the employer and could open doors to all sorts of things.

Requirements

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

Very happy to do yard work, but riding is a must and the chance to compete event better!

• Do you need accommodation?

Accommodation would be most preferable, but if not then within locality of somewhere I’m likely to find a rental I can easily commute from

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

Own horse essential

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Only current jobs due to finish in July

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

No