Experience with Horses

I have had horses since I was a child and lived on a small farm until I was 8 years old. From 8-13 years old I rode in a riding school as the farm I lived on beforehand was sold. At 13 years old I started volunteering my time doing basic yard jobs in exchange for riding lessons. At 14 years old, I was offered a regular stablehand role at the weekends at the riding school which was also a livery so I worked with a range of horses from riding school ponies to fit hunt and event horses. I continued in this role until I turned 18, during this time I obtained a wide knowledge of horses and the equine industry and also did various other roles at a handful of other yards which enhanced my equine knowledge.

I also took my own horse on long-tern full loan at 16 years old. He is a 17.2hh Irish Draught whom I have been fully responsible for the last 5 years. He has been out on loan to another individual since September 2024 due to me struggling with finishing my apprenticeship and working full-time as well as being solely responsible for his care.

When I turned 18, I took a full-time apprenticeship role in accountancy. I have successfully completed my level 4 AAT qualification and am now a qualified Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. However, I would like to move into a more varied and active role, ideally working with children and horses as these are my passions in life and I enjoy being active and outdoors which I miss out on in my current role as an accountant.

I grew up with a large family and, being the oldest of my generation, I have always had a strong affinity for children and thoroughly enjoy spending time around them. I would love a role that incorporates looking after children as I enjoy the responsibility and rewards that come with looking after them.

 

Key Skills

In terms of non-equine skills:
• I am very experienced in dealing with a varied workload and planning and prioritising to ensure all of my tasks are completed on time.
• I am able to confidently handle a busy schedule and ensure none of my responsibilities are missed.
• I have good administration abilities and excellent computer literacy.
• I have good financial and bookkeeping skills.
• I enjoy cooking and am able to cook a varied, nutritious range of meals.
• I am able to meet the day to day needs of children and ensure they are remain active and engaged in their day to day life.
• I have experience of caring for individuals with learning disabilities.
• I have an emergency first aid at work qualification.
• I have experience of working independently as well as as part of a team and leading a team.
• I am able to confidently handle aligning schedules.

 

In terms of equine skills I am able to confidently:

• muck and skip out
• turn out
• feed and manage diets including hay/haylage quantities and any necessary supplements and medicines
• keep horses in regular exercise routines (This can be limited by my current weight but I am also able to lunge and have experience of teaching individuals to ride and helping others to regain confidence despite not having any teaching/riding qualifications)
• administer equine first aid
• arranging vet, farrier, dentist, physio, chriopractor and any other equine appointments as required

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I enjoy building relationships with the horses in my care and having strong relationships with them. I also enjoy being active and outdoors and I also enjoy the responsibility of caring for them.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to improve my riding as I am a good rider but struggle with confidence out hacking, once I have achieved my weight loss goal.

 

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

I have a unique skillset in my combined knowledge of horses, children and being in an office role which I believe gives me unique skills and experience.

Requirements

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

I would like a role which keeps me active with a range of tasks and responsibilities. I thoroughly enjoy being busy and having a busy schedule.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

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

Potentially the aforementioned horse should he come off loan from his current loaner but none at present.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I have one calendar month’s notice at my current role

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

No