Experience with Horses

I have been passionate since early childhood, and riding in traditional riding schools since I was 6yo. For 6 years now I have been traveling the world working on various horse related farms. I have experienced a variety of approaches and farms where my responsabilities have grown with the years.

 

On a stud farm in Ireland I have discovered the breeding side of the equestrian world, with handling and care of stallions, brood mares, foals, youngstock. I worked on farm maintenance as well as daily care, lungeing of young horses, assistance through vet exams and foalings, coverings and so on. Cows were also bred there so I worked with them as well sometimes.

 

I have been in sole charge of horses on private farms, from 3 to 11 horses of all shapes and sizes, ages from young only just starting work to old and retired. I learned natural horsemanship type approaches, improved my riding skills, ground work skills, barefoot trimming, and general farm maintenance and fixing jobs!

 

In New Zealand, on the dressage farm, I was able to deepen my understanding of breeding through work with broodmares and foals as well as work for a breeding association (NZ Warmblood Association). I helped with general administration work (mainly passport making), preparation for a classification tour of mares, foals and stallions and was able to join the german expert for two days on the tour.

I also improved my understanding of horses and how they learn, their nervous systems and how to help them regulate. I improved my riding skills through the thorough coaching of my mentor, Grand Prix rider Jody Hartstone, and her Grand Prix horse Ali Baba as well as younger warmbloods she had at the time. I helped with the starting of young horses, ridden work and ground work of a variety of horses. My tasks included care and handling of broodmares, foals and youngstock as well. I was groom for the dressage competition season, and was able to start jumping again when we went hunting. As winter came in, I learned to clip horses.

 

With Lockie Phillips, I had already discovered a science based approach to horse training, and horse keeping, although his ways are not sport performance related whatsoever. This unabled me to witness and learn how fully secure horses can express themselves and the benefits of excellent horse care for the animal’s safety as well as our own.

 

 

Key Skills

I am particularly patient and caring, which gives me good results when it comes to clipping, handling young horses, training new skills, trimming. I am a thorough and hard worker which enables me to be fully aware of and take notice of the slightest change in condition, or injury in horses. I provide excellent daily care as I take pride in it.

I am cautious and disciplined in my ridden and ground work with horses, therefore I never take unnecessary risks and go beyond my abilities. I am good at working alone and asking for help/feedback when needed, as well as working in a team. I have good communication skills which makes team work and client contacts respectful and enjoyable for all.

I am a quick learner and very eager to do so, therefore I adapt to what is needed and always look for improvement.

 

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I love getting to know horses and learning from each and every one of them. That is why I have explored so much, to add tools to my skill set and be able to adapt to each situation as best as possible.

 

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I am always looking to improve my technique and skills were it in ridden work or general care of the horses in order to provide them with the very best in terms of their welfare.

In particular these days, I would like to improve my jumping skills and go back to proper schooling for jumping. Training my eye and feel for strides, curves, straightness, how to guide and support the horse best for both performance and safety.

 

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

I am willing. Working with horses is a life long dream of mine which I do not take for granted, I work hard and honestly, learn fast and eagerly. I will tell you when I do not feel able to do something, and equally give my all when I am able to.

 

Requirements

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

I would like to be able to work horses from the ground and ridden, and have some freedom to bring to my practice the skills and techniques I have already learned.

 

• Do you need accommodation?

It would make life easier as I do not yet have my own car. However if the salary enables it then I could make a rent and car work.

 

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

As of today, I have no pets to bring with me. If this ever changed, it would be for a dog only.

 

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I am available from end of August on, with three days a month taken by a training program to teach horses contact, self carriage, balance and collection with soft aids in order to obtain a light, smooth and relaxed ride. I already know the dates for each month, and can provide them.

 

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

I would love to be able to go back to my family for christmas, and I already mentionned the training above. Other than that, no commitment for the next few months.