Experience with Horses

I grew up working with horses and ponies as both of my parents had experience in the equine world stemming back to my grandfather’s time as a vet and lecturer at Edinburgh University where he was instrumental in developing a conservation herd of Exmoor ponies. I first learned to ride as a child while assisting my mother with her duties as a groom on two different yards and also assisted her as groom/support when she was competing in endurance riding competitions.

I then moved on to external work experience and worked at Ian Stark Equestrian Centre in the Scottish Borders run by Jenny & Ian Stark for approximately five years during holiday periods. As well as general stable duties, this experience involved supervising lessons when the need arose, working with children, working in the office taking bookings, answering inquiries and dealing with clients. I saw a completely different side of the equine world when I worked at an equine rehabilitation and trekking centre for 2 months in South Africa. This involved working with ‘green’ and abused horses. During this period, I also took clients out trail riding.

At Reaseheath College, in addition to academic studies, I completed practical modules and assignments in natural horsemanship ground skills, round pen training, stable management and energy therapies. I was also part of a team of students and staff at Reaseheath that worked with four wild Exmoor foals using natural horsemanship ground skills over an eight week period with BBC Countryfile. My riding experience also includes a little schooling and jumping long Reining Experience Some experience handling & starting young stock.

Since leaving Reaseheath I have held several equine positions mainly within the charity & welfare sector working with a wide variety of equines from different backgrounds such as working with feral ponies to that have required specialist training such as clicker training & learning theory. These roles also involved driving different vehicles such as atvs & tractors to undertake the day to day care and checks of the horses.

During these posts I have also be responsible for liaising with different teams, taking sole charge as well as assisting with the management of the sites. I currently hold my class C hgv license & have been involved with transporting horses.

I also look after 3 horses & cat for a private client on an as & when basis, making sure their day to day needs are met and being responsible for them when the owner is away on Holiday/business.

 

Key Skills

• Rehabilitation of nervous and abused horses
• Ownership and care of horses, dogs and cats
• Sole charge & managing teams
• Keeping equine records updated
• Liaising with different equine professionals such as vets, farriers & physios
• Good time keeping skills and used to working various different shift patterns/hours in all weathers
• Checking & identifying issues/aliments with the horses
• Attention to detail

 

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Getting to know the horses individual personalities and traits to help identify issues with them & developing a bond with them.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

• Lunging
• Plaiting
• Show Prep
• Long Lining

 

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

Ambitious, hard working and dedicated animal carer with significant experience in managing a variety of different equines and their individual needs.

 

Requirements

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

Experience in other sectors of the equine industry such dressage, endurance & show jumping to develop my current skills & push myself.

• Do you need accommodation?

Ideally would like accommodation but if based within a reasonable distance of Norwich, Norfolk it wouldn’t be essential.

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

No

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Occasionally get paid to look after 3 horses and a cat, but this is just on an as & when the owner requires basis.

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

4th, 5th & 6th December 2023