Experience with Horses

I have been working with horses for over 20 years.

After school I volunteered at the local shelter for 3 years. In February 2013 I began my apprenticeship with SA Lipizzaners as a Student. I was then employed as a Trainee Rider in August 2013 from there I went through the ranks of Assistant Team Manager to Team Manager as well as a Junior Board Member. I reached my Junior Rider status in 2017. My role at the SA Lipizzaners was broad in content; working with 33 stallions, 12 Riders, 12 Students as well as Grooms and other staff members including the Board of Directors. We relied heavily on the public and as such I often dealt with members of the public quite closely. We worked with colts that have just come off the farm for backing to our centres most prestigious schoolmasters. I am able to train up to Advance level in Dressage and have experience with Work in Hand as well as the “Airs Above the Ground” being piaffe, courbette, capriole, levade and pesade, including Side Saddle. I am able to give lunge lessons and long rein horses. I can instruct group lessons and private lessons.

I have received instruction from one of South Africa’s top riders and also yearly training from a Spanish Riding School Rider.

In 2018 I was a Stable Manager and Assistant Health Manager for one of South Africa’s Top Showjumping Yards. Where I managed 35 horses (yearlings, sport horses, retirees) with approx 12 staff. My job there was broad in nature and altered from day to day.

 

I am currently a Yard Manager for Millfield School in the Equestrian Department. I manage 36 horses with 9 grooms, work closely with the Head of Department as well as the Coaches. I interact with the pupils daily and confer with their parents who are all abroad globally. I keep the owners informed on their horses, liaise with the professionals (farrier, vet, dentist, etc) and various other responsibilities.

Key Skills

What are you particularly good at?

Long lunging, Work in Hand, schooling, stallion handling, people skills, admin, sole charge, plaiting, bandaging, schooling, side saddle, managerial tasks, liasing with vets, farriers, health care providers, etc. I am able adjust myself to whatever the situation needs when it arises.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I love the fact that each is his/her own, they are all different in their own way. I also enjoy meeting people from different aspects in the equestrian world.

 

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

You never stop learning around horses, there’s always more to learn.

 

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

I am a hardworking individual that can work solo or in a group.

 

Requirements

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

I would prefer a managerial position, I can also teach and ride/school horses.

 

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

 

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

Not yet, possibly a dog.

 

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I am currently working for Millfield School.

 

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

I do. not have any holidays booked as of yet, although I will be taking leave every December to meet up with my family for the festive season.