Future Requirements

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

I am looking to return to working with horses full-time. Polo is my main discipline and first choice, but I am open to the right groom/rider, private yard, hunting, trekking or similar role.

Ideally I want plenty of time in the saddle, responsibility for a string of horses and a role where I can get properly involved in the day-to-day running of the yard. I am completely happy grooming and doing general yard work alongside any riding.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes. I am ideally looking for a live-in position and am happy to relocate anywhere in the UK or overseas for the right role.

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

No. I will not be bringing any animals.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I own a business which is now run day-to-day by my team and requires minimal involvement from me. Anything I do need to deal with can be handled remotely outside working hours and will not affect my commitment to the role.

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

No holidays currently booked.

Experience with Horses

I started riding at five and have more than 20 years’ experience on and off across polo, competition horses, private yards and working horses.

I grew up riding a wide variety of horses and progressed from riding-school horses to privately owned showjumpers, eventers and more challenging horses. I owned horses throughout my teens and later returned to riding for private owners, including exercising competition horses and riding horses that were sharp, difficult or that other riders lacked confidence with.

Polo has been my main discipline since 2022. I started as a patron before buying my own ponies and eventually owned and managed a string of 12, supported by one groom. I remained very hands-on with the daily grooming, exercise, fitness, preparation and management of the horses. I have played across the UK and in Argentina and progressed from -2 to 0 goals in my first two seasons.

Most recently I spent 18 months based in South America, including working cattle on a ranch in Uruguay with around 120 horses and 2,000 cattle. This involved long days riding working horses, gathering, moving and sorting cattle across open country.

I have also ridden extensively in Kenya in remote bush and big-game country.

Key Skills

What are you particularly good at?

Riding is probably my strongest skill. I am a confident, calm rider and particularly comfortable with fit, forward, sharp or difficult horses. I adapt quickly to unfamiliar horses and enjoy getting to know how individual horses need to be ridden and handled.

I am experienced with:

• Exercising horses individually and in sets
• Polo pony care, fitness and match preparation
• General grooming and yard work
• Horse fitness and conditioning
• Sharp and difficult horses
• Open-country riding
• Tack and equipment care
• Working independently and taking responsibility
• Cattle work from horseback
• Off-road motorbikes and quad/ATVs
• Plaiting and trimming (although would need a refresher)

I am comfortable working alone or as part of a team and with early starts, physical work and long days outdoors.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

The riding, first and foremost, but also getting to know individual horses properly. I particularly enjoy working with sharper or more sensitive horses, building their confidence and fitness and seeing the difference that consistent handling and riding makes.

I also genuinely enjoy the lifestyle around horses. I would much rather spend my day outdoors, riding and working physically than sitting behind a desk.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

There is always more to learn with horses, particularly when moving between different disciplines and yards.

I can plait and trim, but after several years away from traditional competition yards I would welcome a refresher on high-level show turnout. I would also like to broaden my practical maintenance skills.

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

I have a broad and slightly unusual background. I have more than 20 years’ riding experience, have owned and personally managed a string of 12 polo ponies, played polo in the UK and Argentina, ridden difficult competition horses and worked cattle from horseback in South America.

I am mature, independent and comfortable taking responsibility, but I am equally happy grooming, mucking out and getting on with whatever needs doing around the yard. I am not looking for a job where I only appear when there is a horse to ride.

Most importantly, I am choosing to come back into horses because it is where I want to be. I am free to relocate and properly commit to the right yard.