Experience with Horses (full equestrian/non-equestrian CV attached).

Here’s a snapshot of my experience (NB: Following a knee injury in 2010, I worked with a showjumping owner/breeder and marketing agency founder progressing from PA and Account Manager through to COO and Senior Partner. I left only because I am eager to return to the equestrian world full-time. I have done London to Brighton charity bike ride twice, I also ski, climb, and scuba dive as often as I can.

2008 – 2010 | Freelance Rider & Groom, UK & Europe

• Groomed at tournaments (up to 5 games/day, 14-goal level).
• Exercised and schooled horses from young stock through to competition level.
• Professional clipping, plaiting, and competition prep.
• Full responsibility for care of client and loaned horses, including veterinary and training management.

2004 – 2008 | Polo Groom & Rider, Australia / UK

• Produced and played young polo ponies for a 5-goal professional and 0-goal patron.
• Groomed for two Cirencester players, with sole charge of 14 ponies covering fitness, travel, and match preparation.
• Gained international polo experience, achieving a -1 outdoor handicap and 0-goal arena handicap.

2000 – 2004 | Head Travelling Groom.

• Part of a 3-person team caring for 25+ event horses, responsible for all aspects of horse care and management (feeding, exercising, galloping, clipping, plaiting, transport, and competition prep).
• Groomed at top-level national and international events including Burghley, Blenheim, Burgie, Windsor, Barbury, and Blair (CCI**** at the time). Competent and confident riding 5* horses.
• Groomed for a showing client, winning the Surrey County Championship in Concours d’Elegance (side-saddle).

2004 (8 months) | Yard Manager, (part of Riding School)

• Sole charge (with part-time cover groom) of a 12-horse livery yard including client care, riding, and yard management.
• Trained and produced homebred young horses for the riding school.

Additional Experience

• Competed own horses up to BE100, BD Elementary, and BSJA Newcomers.
• Regularly hunted with Berks & Bucks.
• HGV licence holder since 2017, currently preparing for Artic licence.
• Recent driving work for polo teams.
• References available from employers, owners, and colleagues.

I was born into a family with horses and was riding my little Welsh pony before I could walk. At 16, I began working for with international event rider, Mark Corbett. I spent 4 years with Mark as head travelling groom. I then spent 6 months sole charge managing a livery yard while preparing for a move to Australia, where I then polo groomed and played for 4 years. I have also completed two polo seasons in Cirencester, as well as further work in New Zealand, Spain, and the UK.

My experience covers sole charge care of 25 ponies, grooming for high-goal players in 14-goal competitions and patrons, (up to 5 games a day), extensive horse care, riding, playing, training, and match administration. I have also managed and trained teams of grooms and players. I hold an HGV licence and am available to start work immediately.

Key Skills

• Management and training of staff and players
• Sole charge care of large strings of horses
• Grooming for polo, eventing, and livery yards
• Clipping, plaiting, trimming, and turning out to a high standard
• Horse first aid and general care across multiple disciplines
• Match and competition administration
• Confident working independently or as part of a team
• HGV licence and experience transporting horses

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What I most enjoy: The close bond with the horses, keeping them fit, happy, and well-presented, and being part of a hardworking team.
• Areas to improve: I would like to keep developing my skills in advanced competition preparation and young horse training.
• Why employers should consider me: I bring a wide range of international experience, proven reliability in sole charge roles, strong management skills, and the ability to work just as well under direction within a team.

Requirements

• Next role: I am looking for a head or management position but I am also happy to work under an established manager in a well-run yard.
• Accommodation: Not essential, but would be an advantage depending on location.
• Animals: I have one very horse-friendly, quiet little dog who prefers to stay indoors and a 10yr old Labrador who is very very well trained and been on yards her whole life
• Ongoing commitments: Partner who works around the Basingstoke area but willing to comute, and doggies
• Holidays booked: None.