1. Experience with Horses

Ive been riding horses since I was 6 and I have been working on competition yards since I was 13 learning from the best in the industry. I’ve worked with dressage, hunt and event horses but I have intrigued to expand my knowledge into other areas. I have extensive practical skills in competition prep (plaiting, clipping and studding). I have rode horses from backing youngsters, retraining racehorses and riding top level event horses. I am competent in ground work and natural horsemanship including long lining, lungeing and join up.

I have a level 3 equine management diploma and have qualifications equivalent to level 2 care, lunge, riding and teaching BHS levels. I am currently in my final year of my BSc (honors) degree in equine sports science so I have plenty of knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics, performance, training, nutrition and management. I am currently applying for a part time masters degree in veterinary physiotherapy with dogs and horses, which i hope to complete whilst working. Location does not matter as it only requires around 2 days a month at university and independent study. So animalsi can add to my portfolio and practice on is a bonus I can offer whilst learning!

apart from the practical side of the equine industry, I have fantastic IT skills that I have developed whilst at university. This is something I can definitely help out with if help is needed.

I have competed on my universities equestrian team for the past 2 years, this year I was assigned as captain. During the competitions, you travel to rival universities and compete on their horses with 5 minutes to get to know the horse then complete a dressage test and show jump round on different horses. This has acquired me to be an extremely adaptable rider, riding anything from 13hh ponies to 17hh+.

Key Skills

I am a fast learning which allows me to work independently very well. But I do also enjoy the team aspect and I love making good connections with my colleagues. I have been head groom on my current yard for years now and I am completely capable at taking control especially with young and potentially difficult horses. I do have decent plaiting skills and clipping skills even if it does make me severely itch! I have always specialised in working with young horses and fit competition horses. I’ve worked with stallions previously but I not much, breeding is definitely something I’d be interested in. I have great time management and organisation skills thanks to university and yard management. Teaching is something I’ve been confident doing but never had the opportunity to do, especially working with young riders and new riders. I work well under pressure and consider myself extremely reliable.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

– I enjoy the competition scene whether it riding myself or helping others. Retraining horses and exercising them is something I love doing.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

– would definitely like to get more experience in teaching!

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

– because despite only being 21 I can offer a huge amount of experience and knowledge within the equine industry something I’ll only keep expanding whilst doing my studies.

Requirements

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

– I am happy to do yard duties but most importantly I would like to exercise ride and get the chance to potentially compete myself. I have competed up to BE100 level but due to transport and a bad luck of horses I it has been difficult for me to get out.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

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

I would also require bringing my own horse. A very well behaved mare who has competed up to 3* eventing.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I currently am finishing uni and I am travelling for the summer. However, I can be available for the start of August.

minimum contract for me is 1 year, I have not developed a plan for longer but I would definitely consider staying longer at the right place!

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

I am travelling for the summer which is why I won’t be available until August.