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 began riding horses at 8 years old and started as a working student when I was 11 to help fund my lessons. I began teaching lessons to kids when I turned 18 and my full time work in the industry began at 21 years old. I worked full time at a low level Event barn as a groom, barn manager, assistant trainer, and head coach for a total of 5 years. My management of that yard supported the growth of clientele so the business nearly tripled in size during my time there. I then worked as a full time Groom for an FEI 4* rider and gained National Board Certification in Equine Massage and Acupressure.

In my experience I now have 20 years of riding, 10 years of teaching, and 7 years as a professional trainer.

Key Skills

I am particularly good at working with high energy, green, and/or sensitive horses. I have spent my life riding the horses no one else wanted because that is what my finances allowed for, and I know I am a better rider for it. I am aware of how my own emotions, tension, and energy affect the horses. I take care in helping the horses I train understand what I need from them in the most relaxed setting while still having clear, high expectations.

Out of the tack I am best at time management, organization, and flexibility. I have high standards for myself and expect the horses I work with to be treated with those same standards, both from myself and those who have worked with/for me. I am a self starter, I am relentless in cleaning and organizing to keep things running as smoothly as possible, and I have a knack for creating schedules and systems that increase efficiency. That said, nothing goes perfectly in this industry and if there’s a hiccup in the day I can adjust, rearrange, and finish the day without getting stressed, because life rarely goes to plan and I know there is always a solution. I have worked as a subordinate, both alone and on a team, as well as been the chief having to manage employees and am able to be successful in any role.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What I enjoy most about working with horses is the connection I get to build between myself and every horse I work with, as well as the connection I get to help others make with their horses. We ask a lot of our horses and it takes a lot of trust for them to answer back in the ways we expect them to. I love problem solving with the difficult ones, seeking out new ways to approach an issue and listening to what the horse is telling me about the situation so I can make them feel safe and help them find as much enjoyment in the work I am asking of them as I do.

I would like to improve my knowledge of nutrition and fitness in regards to maintaining horses at a high level of competition. It is my goal to ride at the 5* level and I am excited to learn how to help my succeed by having the best possible standard of care in every area. I would also like to improve my overall riding skills. I have a ton of theoretical knowledge and a lot of experience at the low-mid levels of our sport, but it is time for me to take the next step in elevating my riding. I hope to sit on as many horses as I possibly can and begin competing at the higher levels.

I have a relentless work ethic and an ability to absorb and implement teachings quickly and effectively. I thrive in immersive learning environments, and I am committed to fully embracing the methods and systems of those I work for, integrating them into my own skill set. I take feedback and criticism seriously, understanding their value in my growth as a rider and trainer. This commitment to learning, coupled with my innate understanding of the unique language horses speak, will make me a valuable member in your team. I understand every team member is an investment, and I assure you that I am you will not regret.

Requirements

In my next job I would like to ride multiple horses everyday to gain more under saddle experience. Whether it be hacking out, training youngsters, or schooling the school masters, the more time spent in the saddle the better. I would like gain an understanding of what it takes to ride at the top levels of our sport and what kind of care is truly necessary for those top quality horses.

I am seeking somewhere with accommodations on site.