Future Requirements

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

I would like to continue improving my horse care standards and knowledge, by being part of a team with the highest standards regarding horse welfare, maintaining soundness and performance. I would be very keen on joining a team that places an emphasis on the biomechanics of performance.

Recently, I completed the two-day Masterson Method: Beyond Horse Massage certificate course and would also welcome the opportunity to work with and learn from equine bodyworkers.

 

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes

 

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

No

 

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

Yes

 

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

No

 

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.

My journey with horses started in Canada in 2020, when I began attending equine facilitated learning sessions for self-development and to find a new professional direction for myself. This led me to complete the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP) a seven week certificate course funded by the Ontario government, to prepare students for entry into the equine industry. I completed the practical experience portion of the program in September 2022, by working as a groom at the Ontario Yearling Sale at Winbak Farms in Ontario, Canada.

In 2023, I completed two work studies, one in Florida, at a dressage training and sales stable and a subsequent one, at a small Parelli Natural Horsemanship eventing stable in South Carolina. In 2024, I was a working student in Portugal, caring for Spanish horses and studying Centered Riding. This past summer, I cared for 13 free roaming Camargue horses, at a private yard in France.

Earlier this year, I completed the two day Masterson Method: Beyond Horse Massage certificate course in Caledon, Ontario.

For details of my experience with horses, please see my attached CV.

 

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 have a good eye for noticing changes in horse behavior and/or appearance. I am meticulous when it comes to bathing horses, for example, noticing skin issues such as fungus as well as wounds and treating appropriately.

I have had the opportunity to handle horses of various breeds and ages. For example, I handled yearlings at the Ontario Yearling Sale as well as older high-value horses during a work study at a dressage training and sales stable. This was also where I got an introduction into handling stallions, turning out 3 stallions with differing temperaments, including a stud. 

I have a knack for organizing, for example a feed room and tack room. During my time at the dressage stable, I re-organized the feed room and optimized the feeding procedure.

I also bring with me a track record of reliability, having been solely in charge of horses during extended absences of owners. 

With a professional background in the corporate and diplomatic worlds, I am used to working in international teams as team leader or as support staff. I can confidently communicate across all levels of hierarchy and with external stakeholders.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I enjoy the interspecies connection that is possible between a human and horse. I am drawn to a horse’s in-the-moment presence, wordless communication as well as receptivity to human energy and body language.

I also enjoy a horse’s athleticism and their ability to learn how to perform at the highest level; their commitment to do what they are being asked to do. Additionally, I am captivated by the bond that is possible between a rider and their horse.

 

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I would like to improve bridling and to learn more about the different types of bridles/bits and their various applications.  I have not had the opportunity to learn bandaging and clipping and would like to acquire these skills.

I have had an introduction to lunging and groundwork and would like to continue building these skills.

 

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

Employers should consider me because I have an innate commitment to excellence. I take direction well but can also think outside the box. I can quickly apply new skills to the demands of a situation.

Entering the horse world at a mature age, I bring with me a track record of knowing how to prioritize, think strategically and to see the big picture. I have the clarity to think things through and understand that small decisions can have long-term results.

Having been involved in sports my whole life, I also bring a joy for the beauty of competition and the drive to obtain results.