Experience with Horses

I have been riding since I was 4 and have always been around horses. I attended pony club as a young girl and went on frequent treks throughout the Summer. I have been volunteering in stables since I was 13 and have been officially working with horses for over a year now. I worked as a trekking guide, guiding treks from 1 hour to 5 hours, travelling over the Brecon Beacons in south Wales. I also would deliver 20 minute lessons to beginners, creating a fun, safe and memorable experience.

I worked in a horse retirement home for a winter season, mucking out, turning out and general care. Ensuring they had a comfortable, peaceful experience in the latter years of their lives.

I am currently a working student in Canada, working at a stable alongside a Grand Prix level dressage coach. Riding talented horses to improve my own skills. Conducting general barn duties, mucking, turning in and out, grooming and tacking up and assisting coaches with training the horses. Also, attending shows, to groom horses and assist with loading and unloading the trailer. We also have 4 fillies, I am involved in the development of their training, preparing them to be under saddle in the near future.

 

Key Skills

Grooming. I am a great groom as I pay special attention to the details. I love transforming horses to reveal their optimum beauty. I love whitening socks and stockings especially! Purple shampoo and talc is a staple in my kit.

I am capable of working both independently and as part of a team. I am very organised and a good communicator to ensure smooth running of the day.

I have handled horses who have displayed challenging behaviour, including rearing, spooking and competitive behaviour when walking with others in the herd. I always remain confident and calm to ensure safety for all.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

My favourite thing about working with horses is caring for them outside of their work. I love to make sure they are at optimum health both mentally and physically. The feeling of seeing a horse who is truly happy is unmatched! I also love a good hack across the mountains, you can’t beat a good canter with a stunning view!

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would love to improve my riding, particularly my jumping.

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

I am incredibly hard working and passionate about developing my skills in the industry. I believe you can never know enough and I am always willing to consider a new way of doing things. I have experienced working with over 100 horses in different disciplines, which has helped me understand different temperaments and personalities. Not only do I have the horses interest at heart, but my teams too.

Requirements

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

I would like to improve my skills both in and out of the saddle.

In the saddle, I’d like to improve my jumping to get the perfect stride every time. I’d also love to work on my dressage and eventually be able to ride at Grand Prix level. I’d like compete to where I can.

Out of the saddle, I want to keep working on my grooming and gain experience grooming at as many shows as possible. I’d also love to gain more BHS qualifications.

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

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

I have a dog which I’d love to able to bring if possible.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Not at the moment.

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

No.