Experience with Horses

I am 21 years old and have been around horses, dogs and all sorts of other animals for as long as I can remember. I have experience with dog walking, equine care and house sitting. In 2022, my horse Hercules and I moved from Guernsey to the UK to complete an apprenticeship for a Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Management.

Alongside my studies, I completed an apprenticeship at a stud farm, helping with mucking out, turning out, tacking up, feeding, grooming, turning out mares and foals and more. I also took Hercules eventing, showjumping and to a Hunter Trial.

After completing my studies, I returned to Guernsey to set up my own animal care business, EM Equine. I have been doing this for almost two years and my main responsibilities include turning out, mucking out, bringing in, poo picking as well as holiday cover/housesitting for clients.

My horse Hercules is a 15.1hh Irish Cob and is 16 years old. We have competed in showjumping up to 70cm in both the UK and Guernsey and placed in many. We have also competed in one event at 70cm we placed 5th. At home, we school at about 80cm-1m but are yet to compete at the higher levels.

Key Skills

I am capable and happy to work alone or with a team and have experience with both, the first as a freelancer and the latter during my apprenticeship.

As I have my own business, I deal with all types of horses from competition-fit horses to retired horses and ponies as well as Shetlands. I was also hired to plait a client’s horse for her wedding photos and can provide pictures of said plaits.

I have also groomed a handful of times for events.

I also rode some of the event horses during my apprenticeship, mainly doing fitness work and hacking.

I am currently researching equine first aid courses to upskill myself in this area.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The thing I enjoy the most is building a relationship with the horses and how rewarding it is to see the younger horses develop and grow.

Areas I would like to improve on would be clipping and plaiting as I am capable of plaiting but know I could improve. Alongside this I’d like to improve in the handing/producing of younger horses.

I believe my experiences described above – riding and being around horses since I was three years old, gaining my qualification in horse care and looking after a range of horses with different needs while freelancing – put me in good stead for future employment. I am hard working, enthusiastic and have a genuine passion for equine care.

Requirements

I would like to gain experience in competing more regularly as in Guernsey there is not a lot of opportunity to compete in a range of disciplines. I would also like to gain more experience in running a yard.

Ideally I would need accommodation however if it was not available I could possibly find a place off site.

Depending on the yard, I would consider taking Hercules with me but will discuss this with employers on a case-by-case basis.

With running my business, I would have to ensure I give enough notice to my clients and commit to any horse care I have booked in already until the end of the year.

No holidays booked in advance at the moment.