Experience with Horses

I am currently working as an Assistant Yard Manager at Trent Park Equestrian Centre (London) and have previous experience at a similar level at Stonar School (Wiltshire) as well as at a more senior level at Snowball Farm Equestrian Centre (Slough).

 

Despite coming from a non horsey background, my passion for horses started when I was only 5 years old and although I knew I wanted to work in the industry from an early age, I followed my parents’ advice and went to university back home in France where I took a double degree (English and Law) with my final year spent in Scotland (where I also gained a BA(Hons) in European Business Law). Over the years I spent at university, I developed solid organisation skills and a positive problem-solving attitude which have proven to be useful in my pursue of a career in the equine industry.

During my years as a manager, I have gained knowledge and experience in daily management of staff and horses: from adjusting horses’ diets and training programs to making sure the working pupils and grooms are on the right track for their BHS assessments! I am not afraid of mucking in (and mucking out!) when and where needed to ensure the smooth running of the yard.

As a coach, I particularly enjoy creating nurturing relationships with riders (staff, liveries or clients) that I teach regularly: achieving short-term and long-term goals with them has been a very rewarding part of my job. The same goes when I see new or greener horses integrating the riding school and taking it all in their stride after a few weeks or months working with the staff. I advocate for a holistic and hands on approach to teaching horse riding and running a yard with an emphasis on horse care as I truly believe the “promote horse welfare by educating, advising and supporting” ethos promoted by the BHS – I currently hold my Stage 5 care (Stable manager) and coach (performance) qualifications and am working towards my Stage 5 Ride.

 

Key Skills

• Organising the staff and daily run of the yard
• Liaising with vet/farrier/dentist/physio/saddler
• Coaching
• Clipping, trimming, pulling, plaiting
• Schooling, lunging, fast work
• Pony Club
• EC pro
• Equine first aid
• First aider
• DBS checked
• BHS child protection

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Working outdoors, creating a bond with the horses and seeing horses and riders progress.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to gain my Stage 5 ride but have been out of proper training for a while now (I am riding daily but not in an intensive way).

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

I am extremely dedicated and self motivated. I always do what is right for the horses and will never compromise on welfare!

Requirements

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

I am keen to join a yard and help to develop a strong, functional team to help care for the horses and provide great customer service. I would love to have some free rein to use my own initiative rather than just work in someone else’s shadow or be restricted by super rigid ways – it has happened in the past.

• Do you need accommodation?

I would happily relocate so accommodation might be needed.

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

I have a 22 yo, 14.2 hh gelding that I have started when he was 3 and bought when he was 5. I won’t go anywhere without him! Staff livery or help finding local livery would be fantastic!

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I am currently employed – 1 month notice.

I also have the odd PC day camps booked as well as senior camp in august (5 days)

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

Badminton.