Experience with Horses

Outline your experience with horses here/the scope of your freelance services. If you’re looking for a non-equine or non- yard-based job please use this space to describe your experience skills/abilities and adapt the questions to suit your line of work.

2020 – 2022
Self-employed groom in sole charge of a family run showjumping yard. Tasks included daily running of the yard; mucking out, feeding poo-picking, field maintenance. Exercising horses, including schooling, lungeing and hacking. Attending competitions as a groom, prep horses, turnout to a high standard.

2019-2020
Strapper/stable-hand at a racing yard in Sydney, Australia. Tasks included daily running of the yard, handling a variety of fit thoroughbreds including difficult colts, stallions and fillies. Turn out to a high standard and attend race days. Prep- horses for track-work or races.

2016-2019

Started as a groom and left as a a BHSAI. Tasks included all general yard duties and caring for top quality completion horses as well as school horses. Exercising, including; schooling, jumping, hacking, fast-work/fitness and lungeing. As a Trainee Instructor I helped students prepare to undergo their BHS Exams from Stages 1-3. Attended showjump, dressage and one day events as a groom on many occasions having to deal with multiple horses and riders partaking in the same show.

2005 – 2011

Volunteer basis at the yard where I learnt to ride. Tasks included all general yard duties. Assisted in lead rein activities with the RDA and Back on Track.

Key Skills

What are you particularly good at? For example: working alone, working with others, clipping, plaiting, turning out for shows, handling stallions, handling/riding young horses, non-equine skills etc

Having previously worked on a self-employed basis I am able to work effectively alone. I have also worked in larger teams both in and out of the equine industry so am able to work well within a team. My most recent job role as an Assistant Manager of a 24/7 facility helping to oversee a small team means that I am also able to lead confidently from the front.

I am able to turnout to a high standard for competitions, clip and plait. I am able to handle fit and difficult horses, including rearers.

I am confident exercising horses at BHS Stage 3 level

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

A sense of routine, with enough variation to keep it interesting. Learning about the horses character and developing a bond with them. I really enjoy teaching in general, whether that’s stable management or riding and take pride in being able to adapt my teaching style to the individual in front of me.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I’d like to gain more experience riding in competitions, only ever school and have done a handful of shows. Would like to progress to BHSI with my teaching and become a more confident cross country rider.

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

My adaptability – I can take charge or work in a team, I am able to switch on when placed in a high stress situation, whether that’s a veterinary emergency or being at a busy show trying to groom for multiple horses/riders. I thrive in an environment where I am able to learn more, I am always looking to expand my knowledge.

Requirements

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

I would like to get more ridden opportunities, and be able to further elevate my experience by grooming at a higher level shows. Alternatively, take on a more managerial role where I am able to take charge and oversee the daily running of a yard.m

• Do you need accommodation?

Preferably, yes. Dependant on location.

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

Not at present.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Current job which would require one months notice.

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

20/03/2023-25/03/2023 and 21/06/2023-30/06/2023