Experience with Horses

Outline your experience with horses here/the scope of your freelance services. If you’re looking for a non-equine or non- yard-based job please use this space to describe your experience skills/abilities and adapt the questions to suit your line of work.

Horseback Instructor, Camp Carolina, USA 

May-August 2023

• Responsible for the care and maintenance of 15 horses e.g. yard duties, feed schedules, medical care to horses including administering  medicines, wrapping, changing bandages, monitoring temperatures, worming, 
• Guided campers to build a relationship with their horse e.g. how to care for and gain mutual trust with their horse on the ground and ridden
• Coached riding lessons and led treks twice daily for 10+ campers
• Health and safety trained as a Wilderness First Aider
• Handled and worked greener horses through horsemanship and groundwork
• Responsible for driving trailer and doing vet trips

Part time groom/stable hand, Compton Grove, LS22

August 2023-October 2023

• Completion of general yard duties to high standard for 18+ horses e.g. mucking out, turning out, bringing in, making feeds, checking livery horses for injuries, rugging, poo-picking, general upkeep of land and fencing
• Sole responsibility for the care of liveries horses including making day to day decisions regarding horse management

 

Volunteer at Thinking Rider, Lindley, LS21 

Ongoing from 2016-current

• Involved in the running of  horsemanship day clinics
• Exploring the conversation and relationship between horse and rider 
• Groundwork skills
• Western, English and bareback ridden experience
• Supporting young people in group lessons
• Coaching young people one-to-one on yard duties and horse care
• Solely responsible for yard duties and horse care e.g. checking general health of horses, responsible for feed schedule
• Responsibility for retraining and reintegrating troubled horse back into being ridden

 

Assistant, Beth Armitage Horsemanship, Skipton

• Assisting with grooming and  preparing horses for a commercial photoshoot at Broughton Hall
• Ensuring the smooth running of the event and ensuring the safety of the models/crew members and horses

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

Employable skills: Excellent spoken and written communication, professional and efficient manner, adaptable and creative problem-solver, fast learner, a desire to lead

My passion for horses lies in the horse-human connection. I have years of experience in natural horsemanship and have worked closely with an excellent horsemanship coach and I have learned how to handle and work with horses both on the ground, through liberty and ridden. Previous experience of owning my own horse and helping to care for the other horses at the yard has familiarised me with the yard environment and I recognise the significance of safety and sensitivity around horses, particularly when handling multiple horses at a time and younger or greener horses. My strengths include problem-solving and being an adaptable and reliable employee. I am an extremely hard-working individual and I complete every task to the best of my ability. I am not afraid to ask for guidance where needed and I am a quick learner. I love to work in a team and I am motivated by those around me, I would like pursue my passion for the outdoors and horses, whilst applying the skills I have acquired over years of working in the customer service industry in various roles.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I enjoy the simplicity of being around horses and the connection one can build with the animal. I love how emotionally intelligent and sensitive horses are. I have a passion for Western riding and I am extremely enthusiastic when it comes to yard duties and contributing to a safe space for both horse and rider.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to gain more experience and take on new responsibilities such as coaching and yard work. I would like to expand my knowledge and I would like to learn what it takes to run a successful yard to provide care to more than satisfied clients.

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

I am very enthusiastic in everything I do and my passion for horses does not stop just at riding. I am a fast learner, a great listener and I strive to complete each task to the best of my ability. My positive attitude makes me a great team player and I am motivated by those around me. It is very important for me to find a career in my true passion and I am more than willing to put in the time and work it takes to be successful in the equine community. My experience in natural horsemanship sets me aside from many applicants as I have experience in both conventional riding and horsemanship such as Pat Parelli techniques, which are unique.

Requirements

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

In my next role, I would like to gain experience working with horses full time in a fast paced environment. I would like to take on more responsibility and I would like to kickstart my career in equine.

• Do you need accommodation?

No.

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

I have 2 indoor cats but do not require accommodation.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

No.

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

15th-22nd August 2025