Experience with Horses

 

I began riding horses at the age of five at a local riding school, in Mallorca, Spain. When I was thirteen, I had my first horse, which I kept on our family land for five years. During this time I was doing dressage, but then I became deeply interested in natural horsemanship and focused on building a strong partnership with my horse. I particularly enjoyed teaching my horse new challenges for trail riding, and developing the ability to ride without a saddle or bridle both in the arena and on the trail.

Following this experience, I began taking two- to three-month trips to the US and Canada to further my knowledge of horse training and colt starting, working alongside experienced horsemen riding western. I discovered a passion for working with green horses and enjoy problem-solving and helping them become confident, responsive partners.

I have soft hand with the horses, handling and riding. Good knowledge of horse behaviours, I like working with problem horses, and training young horses. I want to continue extending my knowledge of horses, I think I can learn a lot from working in a yard in England and I would love to work with horses. Until now I have always worked overseas with yachts, I would like to have a land-based job with horses and make a profession out my passion.

Key Skills

• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Fully conversant with Microsoft word, excel, E-pulse panel
• Solution-focused
• Good logistical skills
• Management experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Happy to work on my own or in a team
• Determined “can do” attitude
• Committed to professional development

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

It is quiet and they always listen to you, they learn, progress and incredibly intelligent animals. I truly love horses, I’d rather spend my days around horses doing general duties than talking to humans.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to get better at riding western, particularly reining. However, I would do this with my own horse if I decide to purchase a horse later down the line (perhaps in 1 years time). At the yard I will work as a groom, ideally with the option of exercising some horses for the yard or if not I would like to be able to trail ride 4-5h week (maybe a 2-3 ride on a weekend).

If there are horses that need training or they need to be backed I would like to participate in the process, gain experience and put hours on the horse to build up the horses confidence and make it a reliable horse.

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

I am looking for the right opportunity at a place where they want a person slightly different background. All of my experience with horses is recreational I have never had a full-time job in the horse industry. I understand I would have an entry level job and earn the accreditations as I gain experience as a groom at the yard.

I have always considered horse riding as a privilege, but I have realized that because of working with boats I don’t have enough hours to dedicate to being around horses. Time is going by and I have not been able to ride enough over the last 5 years. I want to ensure I get a job where at least I can have 5h riding a week and I am happy. It will be less money but I will be achieving a personal goal.

• Personal hobbies: very sporty person, running, surfing, skiing and lots of hiking. I also like photography and enjoy a good evening of wine & cheese.

Requirements

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

I want to spend hours with horses, right now I work on yachts.

This sentence explained:

At the moment, in 1 year I have not been able to do more that 20h on a saddle, 0h of barn maintenance, 0h of general horse duties, feeding routines, cleaning, grooming or horse handling. I want to change my actual job to a job that I am physically around horses 35-40h/week, 20h of the week is horse handling, cleaning stables, grooming, feeding, 15h is exercising horses or a similar balance; and I have 5h of horse riding/week.

• Do you need accommodation?

If the job is in Devon, I would not require accommodation

If the job is elsewhere in the South West, I would require accommodation.

• Do you have any special requirements for any animals you wish to bring with you?No

• Do you have any ongoing commitments? No

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

Mid October 10 days, I am going back to Canada for horse riding in the Rockies.