Experience with Horses

DEC 2024 – CURRENT (PART TIME)
YARD GROOM, BRAISHFIELD MANOR ESTATE (HAMPSHIRE)
In this role, I support the yard manager in the running of the yard and facilities, using my knowledge as previous yard manager here. My responsibilities include:
• Grooming and general checks of horses
• Turnout/bring in
• Mucking out
• Poo picking
• Cleaning troughs and drains
• Cleaning tack
• Assisting owner to prepare horse for riding
• Helping with field management

SEPT 2022 – FEB 2023
GROOM, GOLDEN FLATTS EVENTING (NORTH YORKSHIRE)
In this role I worked alone. The roles and responsibilities were:
• Daily exercising of horses
• Full yard duties
• Overseeing farrier, physio and vet appointments
• Clipping and mane and tail pulling
• Plaiting and hunt preparation, weekly

MAY 2019 – AUGUST 2022 YARD MANAGER, BRAISHFIELD MANOR ESTATE (HAMPSHIRE)
In this role, I managed a small team of 3, at a private family yard which also has some part-livery clients. My responsibilities included:

• Accompanying children hacking and in the school
• Teaching two children horse care and riding skills
• Full yard duties for 13 horses, across 2 yards
• Daily exercising of horses
• Field management
• Managing all aspects of the service delivery to the livery owners
• Stock management: feed, hay, bedding etc.
• Responsible for vet visits and any associated rehab
• Managing farrier, physio and dentist appointments and worming program

Aug 2012 – May 2013 Stable Management Apprenticeship, City And Guilds

Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horse Care and Riding. This was conducted while working at Hall Lands Stables for Alec Miles Equestrian, Hampshire. This was a livery, competition and training/ schooling yard.

2011 – 2013 Varied Volunteering at French Riding Holidays. Roles and responsibilities:

• Ride leader for guests of varying riding abilities
• Horse care: turnout, feed, field management
• Cleaning and room prep
• Assistance with all meals: cooking, serving, clearing etc.

I would like to also add that I have been riding since I was around 5, and have had the pleasure of owning horses from the age of 11. I went through Pony Club as a child/teen, later partaking in Riding Club activities. Whilst working at Braishfield, I purchased my own horse, who I have now owned for 6 years. I have taken her through rehab for hind suspensory injuries, which meant working closely with my vet, farrier and physio. She was bought as a project, with behavioural issues, but can now be ridden as a ‘normal’ horse. My riding experience ranges from hacking, showjumping, eventing, hunting and everything in between.

Key Skills

• Sole or team working
• Good communicator
• Discretion
• Sports coaching (lacrosse)
• Towing
• Equine and dog basic First Aid
• Horse grooming: clipping, plaiting, show and hunt preparation
• Attention to detail
• Small tractor driving
• Land Rover and Transit van driving
• Team leader
• Sports massage (qualified)

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Being outdoors, active and around animals is what I love to do. I enjoy looking after horses because no day is the same, and I take great satisfaction from taking care of them, ensuring they are thriving in their environment.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

Working with horses always requires efficiency, and while I am thorough, I sometimes have a tendency to multitask where I shouldn’t. I would like to work on improving my focus on one thing at a time, and only multitasking where it is appropriate to.

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

I have experience in various types of roles within the equine industry, as well as other industries, meaning I can be adaptable. I am efficient and have good attention to detail. I enjoy challenging myself physically, but also with learning new skills and constantly developing my knowledge of ‘horsemanship’.

Requirements

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

Having worked with horses before, and moving to office based work, I have realised I suit outdoor and active work much more. I find working with animals very fulfilling. I would love to find a varied role where each day is new.

• Do you need accommodation?

Accommodation for myself and my dog would be ideal. Space for my horse would be a bonus.

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

Turnout for my horse is essential, she would not suit living in. A small garden for Betty the dog would be wonderful, but any green space close by would be manageable if no garden.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I currently work remotely full time for VetPartners, so for any role I would need to work some notice period.

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

2nd October – 9th October