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.

I currently work for Sun Valley Stables and Waterside Stud in Johanneburg SA. I am looking for work opportunities and career growth in the UK (I have British and South African Citizenship). I am looking for live-in opportunities within the equine industry. I have a love of showjumping and have competed nationally in South Africa at the 1.10m level, and at the time was ranked 1st in the country. Unfortunately  my horse got injured and had to be retired. I would like to compete in the higher grades.

I am currently an instructor/worker rider, assisting the stable yard manager with the running of the yard which includes giving horses medication, checking temperatures, liaising with grooms, administration, monthly reports on the schooling of the horses. Whilst i was on site (12 months) I did night checks and was on call for emergencies.  My role includes managing the grooms, farriers, vets, and liaising with adult riders, parents and instructing the children. I take groups for outrides, and school the green young horses, getting them sale ready.

Part of my job is to go to interschools and graded shows with the children, read out junior dressage tests and most importantly build their confidence and make the experience fun and enjoyable whilst maintaining a competitive edge. I participate in pony camps (5 times a year, three days a camp) looking staying overnight, instructing and looking after the children.

 

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

I am happy to work alone and I work well in a team. Good with time management and responsibilities. I am able to handle stallion owing to my experience with them during my 9 month study programme at the SA Lipizzaners and at my current job (Waterside Stud). I school the young /green horses to get them to a level where they can be sold.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I enjoy working and schooling them to see them grow into their potential. Each one is an individual and presents new challenges each day. I love competing and cannot imagine a career without horses.

 

 

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to improve my plaiting, bandaging and turning out skills, and would like to learn more about the nutritional side.

 

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

I am diligent, responsible and have an absolute passion for horses. I am committed and have no issues working late and long hours to ensure the welfare of the animal or to ensure the wellbeing of the business.

 

Requirements

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

Ideally, I would love to work at a showjumping yard, instruct and run programmes for children to encourage their love of the sport and these animals. If possible, I would like to be allowed to jump competitively with the yard horse/s and progress upwards of 1.20m

 

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

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

No

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I would have to give one month’s notice to my current employer here in South Africa

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

No