Experience with Horses

I have been fortunate to be able to grow up around horses.  My mother, a BHSAI, has ran a small livery yard from home and I have always been involved. From as young as 4 I would be helping with stable duties.

I have grown up through the pony club, taking my D test at an early age. I have always had a passion for horses and their general health and care. I have been fortunate enough to groom on an international level as part of my sisters eventing team, competing on the under 18 national team and in Europe. Through this I have been able to obtain the knowledge that it takes to run event horses successfully at a high and competitive level as well as recognising their individual care programs for keeping them fit and well throughout the season. I have organised fitness and nutrition programs for individual horses recognising that each horse is different and catering to their specific needs.

I have had the privilage of working alongside, vets, physios and farriers ensuring all horses are kept at optimal health at all times and well as keeping them happy in themselves.

I have also had experience of working in a riding school, organising the junior helpers with yard duties and preparation of ponies for lessons. I have held a part-time job on a livery/competition/rehab yard which has enhanced my yard skills,  exposed me to the rehabilitation side of the equine industry and also meant that I have become more confident and professional dealing with clients. I was also able to ride/exercise the owners horses and liveries.

I started my Level 3 Equine management Diploma at Plumpton College, finishing my first year with best practical student of the year.  I was often asked to support other students with yard duties and I really enjoyed being able to ride a variety of horses. I left College after my first term in my second year due to my family moving away.

I am currently caring for the family horses at our home yard as sole charge and freelancing as a groom assisting with the care of 5 Dartmoor retired show ponies and other yards.

 

 

Key Skills What are you particularly good at? For example: working alone, working with others, clipping, plaiting, turning out for shows, handling stallions, handling/riding young horses, non-equine skills etc

I enjoy working as part of a team but I am equally motivated and capable of working alone.

I have very high standards in all my yard work and duties with attention to detail and I take pride everything I do.

I am able to plait, trim, clip and turnout to a high standard. I have good knowledge of basic Equine first aid (ie; poulticing, wound care, oral medication administration) as well as both bandaging for travel, stabling and exercise.

I am very capable at handling big fit competition horses and have some experience with young horses.

I can lunge for exercise.

I am happy to hack/school horses for exercise.

I particularly enjoyed teaching at college and will be looking to obtain my BHS qualifications

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Grooming at competitions , especially at stay away shows.

Turnout for competition. Hacking and flat work.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

My riding, especially jumping. Lunging and long lining.

I am really keen to take my BHS exams as a Groom and possibly a coach.  I want to further all of my equine knowledge especially anatomy and extended first aid/rehabilitation.

 

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

I am committed to my work and strive to take care of each and every horse as if they were my own, as well as a good sense of humour and willingness to learn and further my equine knowledge everyday.

The welfare of the horses in my care has and will always be my top priority.

 

Requirements

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

I would like to be on an event/showjump yard and be an integral part of the team.

I would like to gain my BHS qualifications and am happy to do this in my own time if necessary.

I will also learn to drive.

 

• Do you need accommodation?

yes please

 

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

My small dog, Cooper. He is a Jack russel.  My retired event horse who is coming back for a tendon injury.

 

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

No

 

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

No