Future Requirements

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

In my next job, I’d love to take the next step in my equine career by securing a role that builds on my 10+ years of hands-on experience — particularly in young horse backing, dressage competition, Thoroughbred pre-training/rehabilitation, and team/yard leadership — while offering greater responsibility, professional growth, and the chance to make a bigger impact in South Africa’s equestrian community (especially in KZN, where the dressage, showjumping, and racing scenes are vibrant).

Specifically, here’s what I’m aiming to do and gain:

Advance into a more senior training or managerial position — Such as Head Trainer, Assistant Yard/Stable Manager, or Senior Work Rider/Trainer at a reputable stud, competition yard, or racing/pre-training facility. After succeeding as Training Manager at The Thoroughbred Shed (designing programs, supervising staff, expanding clientele, and producing 30+ horses), I’m ready to lead larger teams, oversee full training/rehab operations, or manage a section of a yard/stud. This would allow me to mentor junior riders/grooms, refine training protocols, and drive consistent performance improvements for horses and clients.

Deepen specialization in evidence-based, welfare-focused training — I want to further apply modern equitation science principles (e.g., learning theory, stress reduction, positive reinforcement) in daily work with young or rehab horses. Gaining access to ongoing professional development — like advanced coaching certifications (e.g., SANIP/EQASA instructor levels or equine behavior/nutrition courses) — would help me elevate standards, produce even more confident/competitive horses, and contribute to better industry practices in SA.

Contribute to competition or performance success — Build on my dressage achievements (4th in KZN Novice, strong record at Mossandi) and showjumping/flatwork experience by working in a competitive environment — perhaps a dressage-focused stud, eventing yard, or facility with sales/prep programs. I’d thrive in a setup where I can ride/compete regularly, prepare horses for higher levels or sales, and collaborate with owners/trainers for shared successes (e.g., better placings, positive feedback, repeat business).

Combine hands-on equine work with leadership and business elements — Leverage my business experience (owning Tack Barn, managing e-commerce at Get This) to support yard operations — like client relations, marketing/promotion for the facility, budgeting, or event coordination (drawing from Summer Series shows). I enjoy roles that blend riding/training with people management and operational efficiency, helping the yard grow sustainably while staying close to the horses daily.

Secure stability, work-life balance, and long-term growth — Ideally in a supportive team/environment in KZN (Durban/Everton area preferred for proximity), with opportunities for professional progression, fair compensation, and perhaps accommodation/perks common in equine roles. I’m seeking a place where passion for horses is matched by professionalism, where I can commit long-term, continue learning, and help build something special — whether in racing rehab, sport horse production, or coaching/lessons.

Ultimately, my next role is about progression: from executing excellent training to leading it, from producing individual horses to elevating a yard’s reputation, and from gaining experience to sharing it while still growing myself. I’m excited to bring my proven track record, positive energy, and dedication to a forward-thinking team that values welfare, results, and development

• Do you need accommodation?

Yes please

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

No I don’t

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

No I don’t

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

No I don’t

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.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the equine industry, I have developed a comprehensive skill set in horse training, care, competition, and stable management. My journey began in 2014 as a Work Rider at Northland’s Stables, where I schooled 2-3 horses daily, maintaining their health, training, and performance to enhance their skills and market value. From 2017-2018, during my internship at Parachute Productions, I balanced creative work with ongoing equestrian involvement, but my core focus remained on horses.

In 2018, as a Work Rider for Stacey van DER Merve, I trained and produced a 4-year-old mare, successfully preparing her for sale while ensuring optimal condition and performance. By 2019, at Sun Valley Stables, I advanced to Work Rider & Stable Manager, riding 5-7 horses daily, administering medical care to various animals, teaching riding lessons to children aged 3-16, and handling client relations to maintain high satisfaction.

In 2020, I served as a Work Rider at Highborn under experts Ronnie Lawrence and Andre La Conte, refining advanced skills in dressage and showjumping, contributing to stable management, and supporting daily horse training for competitions or sales. That same year, at Callaho Warmblood Sporthorses, I trained 14-16 young Warmbloods daily in desensitizing, groundwork, showjumping, flatwork, and three-phase events; managed grooming, turnout, and treatments; prepared horses for photo shoots and videos; conducted night checks and weekend care for over 300 horses; and assisted with birthing procedures and veterinary collaborations, including blood transfusions.

From 2021-2024, as Show Holder for the Summer Series, I coordinated and managed equestrian shows from planning to execution, securing venues, budgeting, sponsorships, marketing, participant registrations, volunteer supervision, compliance with regulations, crisis management, and post-event evaluations to ensure successful, safe events.

In 2022-2025, as a Work Rider at Mossandi Stud, I rode and competed dressage horses, backed young horses, developed training plans, monitored progress, maintained facilities, and promoted welfare, achieving 4th place in KZN Novice and a strong competition record.

From 2022-2024, I owned and operated Tack Barn, a second-hand tack business, managing inventory, sales, customer service, marketing (including social media), e-commerce, supplier relations, and financials, which expanded my equine network while providing affordable gear to build a loyal customer base.

Most recently, from 2023-2025, as Training Manager at The Thoroughbred Shed, I oversaw pre-training and rehabilitation for racing horses, designing tailored programs, monitoring progress, collaborating with veterinarians, supervising staff, maintaining records, communicating with owners, implementing safety protocols, and managing equipment. Key achievements include expanding clientele, backing and producing 30+ horses, enhancing performance results, positive feedback from owners/trainers, team development, and continuous professional growth.

In addition to these roles, my freelance services encompass horse training (backing, desensitizing, dressage, showjumping, flatwork), rehabilitation, competition preparation, stable management consulting, event coordination for equestrian shows, and tack sales/advice. I prioritize horse welfare, safety, and performance optimization, drawing on skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and client relations to deliver results. While my expertise is equine-focused, I also bring transferable abilities in business operations, marketing, customer service, and event management from non-equine roles like managing an e-commerce fashion retailer and bartending, which could adapt to related fields if needed.

 

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’m particularly strong in several key areas of horse handling, training, care, and related skills, based on my extensive hands-on experience across racing pre-training, rehabilitation, dressage competition, young horse backing, stable management, and event coordination. Here’s a breakdown of what I’m especially good at:

Working with young and inexperienced horses — This is one of my strongest areas. I’ve backed and produced over 30 horses (as highlighted in my Thoroughbred Shed role), including daily training of 14-16 young Warmbloods at Callaho in desensitizing, groundwork, flatwork, showjumping, and three-phase event prep. At Mossandi Stud, I regularly back young horses for initial training and competition readiness in dressage. I excel at building confidence in youngsters, handling their energy safely, and progressing them methodically from basics to competition level.

Riding and competing horses — Solid experience riding and competing, particularly in dressage (achieving 4th place in KZN Novice at Mossandi) and showjumping/flatwork. I’ve ridden 5-7 horses daily in various roles (Sun Valley, Highborn under experts like Ronnie Lawrence and Andre La Conte), competed successfully, and prepared horses for sales or high-level presentation (photo shoots/videos at Callaho).

Handling/riding stallions — While not explicitly a primary focus in every role, I’ve managed and ridden a wide range of horses in professional settings (including Thoroughbreds for racing/rehab and Warmbloods), which often includes stallions in breeding/competition yards. My emphasis on safety protocols, welfare, and problem-solving makes me confident and calm in handling challenging or entire horses.

Grooming, turning out, and show preparation — I’m proficient in full turnout for competitions and sales — daily grooming, turnout, treatments, and presentation (e.g., prepping for photos/videos at Callaho, maintaining high standards for sales at Stacey van DER Merve). In competition contexts (dressage events, Summer Series shows I organized), horses need to look polished: glossy coats, trimmed/clipped appropriately, manes/tails conditioned and often plaited for dressage/show classes. I’ve handled clipping/trimming (ears, bridle path, fetlocks) as part of routine care and show readiness, pulling tails where needed, and ensuring everything from bathing to final shine for that “competition-ready” look.

Clipping and plaiting — Competent in clipping (body touch-ups, traces, full clips for seasons/shows) and plaiting manes/tails to a neat, professional standard — common for dressage, showing, and sales presentation in SA equestrian scenes. I’ve done this regularly to enhance appearance and performance feedback.

Stable management and care routines — Excellent at full yard duties: night checks, feeding for large numbers (300+ at Callaho), medical admin (treatments, vet assists including birthing/blood transfusions), equipment maintenance, and welfare promotion. I prioritize safety, compliance, and detail-oriented care.

Working alone vs. with others — Very versatile — I thrive independently (e.g., sole owner of Tack Barn, managing all operations solo) but also excel in teams (supervising staff at Thoroughbred Shed, collaborating with vets/owners/trainers, volunteer/staff management at Summer Series events, teaching lessons at Sun Valley). I bring positive energy, leadership, and strong communication either way.

Non-equine / transferable skills — Beyond horses, I’m skilled in event coordination (full management of equestrian shows), marketing/promotion (social media, online presence for Tack Barn and fashion e-commerce), customer/supplier relations, inventory/financial management, team leadership, and safety/compliance — all honed through owning a business and roles like Managing Director at Get This (Shopify e-commerce, designer relations) and bartending (high-pressure service, cash handling).

Overall, my core strengths lie in young horse development, training/rehab programs, competition prep (including turnout and presentation), and reliable, welfare-focused care — whether solo or in a team. I’m proactive, detail-oriented, and passionate about getting the best out of horses and people!

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses

What I most enjoy about working with horses is the deep, genuine connection and the sense of mutual growth that comes from building trust with such powerful, sensitive animals. There’s nothing quite like the moment a young or rehab horse starts to relax, respond positively, and show confidence because of the consistent, patient work we’ve put in together — whether that’s during backing, desensitizing, or progressing through training programs. Seeing a horse go from uncertain or tense to calm, willing, and even eager under saddle, or watching their performance improve in competition (like placing well in dressage events), gives me an incredible sense of accomplishment and joy.

I love the daily rhythm of hands-on care — the quiet satisfaction of grooming a horse until their coat shines, prepping them perfectly for a show or photo shoot, or collaborating with vets during critical moments like birthing or recovery. It’s rewarding to know I’m directly contributing to their welfare, health, and potential, especially in roles like at The Thoroughbred Shed where I design tailored rehab and pre-training plans that help horses reach their full athletic promise.

The bond feels special because horses are honest — they don’t judge, they mirror your energy and consistency, which teaches patience, calm leadership, and problem-solving every single day. Working with them outdoors, being active, and often independently handling tasks keeps things fulfilling and never monotonous. Plus, the highs of competition success, positive owner feedback, or just a peaceful turnout moment where a horse enjoys freedom make the hard parts worthwhile.

At the end of the day, it’s the transformative partnership: helping them thrive while they help me grow in confidence, empathy, and resilience. That emotional and physical connection is what keeps me passionate after over a decade in the industry!

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

Yes, there are definitely areas I’d like to improve and develop further in the equine industry — I’m passionate about continuous growth, as the field evolves with better welfare practices, training science, and professional standards. With over 10 years of hands-on experience in young horse backing, dressage competition, Thoroughbred rehab/pre-training, stable management, and event coordination, I’ve built a strong foundation, but I see clear opportunities to level up my skills for even greater impact in roles like training manager, head work rider, or yard supervisor.

Here are the key areas I’m most keen to improve:

Deeper application of equitation science and evidence-based training methods

I already prioritize horse welfare, trust-building, and progressive training (e.g., desensitizing, groundwork, and positive reinforcement in young horse work at Callaho and Mossandi), but I’d love to strengthen my knowledge of the 10 First Principles of Horse Training from the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). This includes more structured use of learning theory to refine communication with horses, reduce stress signals, and optimize performance ethically. In SA’s competitive scene (dressage, showjumping, racing), this would help produce calmer, more consistent horses and align with modern welfare expectations.

Advanced certifications and formal qualifications

While my practical experience is extensive, pursuing accredited qualifications would formalize my expertise and open doors (e.g., supervisory or instructor roles). In South Africa, options like the Occupational Certificate: Equestrian Coach or Instructor Level 1 (SAQA ID 110360) through bodies like SANIP/EQASA, or higher levels (NQF 5-7) via Eventing SA or similar, appeal to me. These cover coaching, horse management, welfare, and supervision — building on my current strengths in training programs and staff oversight at The Thoroughbred Shed. I’d also consider short courses in equine nutrition, advanced rehabilitation, or foaling/breeding support to complement my vet collaboration experience.

Enhanced business and management skills for equine operations

From owning Tack Barn (handling inventory, marketing, finances, and e-commerce) and managing e-commerce at Get This, I have solid transferable skills, but I’d like to deepen equine-specific business knowledge — like budgeting for larger yards, staff leadership in high-pressure environments (e.g., racing stables), or marketing for studs/competition yards. This would help in roles involving team supervision, client relations, or expanding facilities, where combining hands-on horse skills with strong management is key.

Specialized practical skills in high-demand areas

Rehabilitation and lameness evaluation — Building on my Thoroughbred rehab work, I’d improve in assessing biomechanics, designing reconditioning programs, and using therapies (e.g., hot/cold, wrapping) more expertly.

Instructor/coaching development — From teaching lessons at Sun Valley, I’d like to refine pedagogical skills to better teach riders (especially beginners/children) while emphasizing horse-centered approaches.

Advanced turnout and specialized handling — Further honing clipping, plaiting for shows, and confident handling of challenging horses (e.g., stallions or rehab cases) to elevate presentation standards.

Overall, my main drive is staying evidence-based and welfare-focused while growing into more leadership/instructional roles — perhaps pursuing coaching certification to mentor the next generation or advance in competition/rehab settings. The industry rewards ongoing learning, and I’m excited about it!

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

Employers should consider me above other job seekers because I bring a rare combination of deep, progressive hands-on equine experience (over 10 years, starting young and advancing to managerial/training roles), proven results in high-stakes areas like young horse backing, dressage competition, and Thoroughbred pre-training/rehabilitation, plus strong transferable business and leadership skills that add real value to any yard, stud, or training operation in South Africa’s competitive equestrian scene.

What sets me apart:

Specialized expertise in young horse development and rehabilitation — I’ve backed and produced over 30 horses (key achievement at The Thoroughbred Shed), trained 14-16 young Warmbloods daily at Callaho in desensitizing, groundwork, flatwork, showjumping, and three-phase prep, and consistently backed youngsters at Mossandi Stud for dressage competition readiness. This hands-on progression from basics to performance means I can step in immediately to produce confident, competition- or racing-ready horses with a focus on welfare and trust-building — something not every applicant can demonstrate at this scale and consistency.

Proven competition and performance success — Achieved 4th place in KZN Novice Dressage at Mossandi with a strong overall record, refined advanced techniques under experts like Ronnie Lawrence and Andre La Conte at Highborn, and prepared horses for sales/photos/videos at Callaho. In SA’s dressage and racing circuits, employers value riders/trainers who deliver tangible results like improved placings, better owner feedback, and enhanced horse potential — I’ve delivered that repeatedly.

Leadership, team supervision, and operational reliability — As Training Manager at The Thoroughbred Shed, I supervised staff, collaborated with vets/owners, designed tailored programs, implemented safety protocols, and expanded clientele/portfolio while maintaining high welfare standards. At Summer Series (2021-2024), I fully managed equestrian events: budgeting, sponsorships, marketing, participant coordination, volunteer/staff supervision, compliance, and crisis management. This shows I can handle not just horses but people, operations, and events — crucial for yard manager or head trainer roles where dependability, problem-solving, and team leadership are key.

Business acumen from owning and running Tack Barn (2022-2024) — Managed full operations solo (inventory, sales, e-commerce, social media marketing, supplier/customer relations, finances), growing revenue, customer base, and online presence while providing affordable, quality tack to the local equine community. Combined with e-commerce management at Get This (handling luxury SA fashion brands, Shopify, digital marketing, logistics), this gives me an edge in client relations, promotion, and financial efficiency — helping yards/studs attract clients, manage costs, or boost visibility in a market where networking and business sense matter.

Versatile, welfare-focused mindset and work ethic — I’m proactive, detail-oriented, positive under pressure, and committed to evidence-based, horse-centered care (from vet assists/birthing at Callaho to teaching kids at Sun Valley). I thrive independently or in teams, prioritize safety/compliance, and bring transferable skills from non-equine roles (customer service, high-pressure ops) that translate to reliable, client-focused yard work. Employers in SA equine jobs (from racing studs to competition yards) seek dependable, passionate professionals who show up consistently, learn quickly, and contribute beyond basic riding/grooming — that’s me.

In short, hiring me means gaining someone who’s not just experienced but has demonstrated growth, results, leadership, and business savvy in real SA equestrian contexts. I’m eager to bring that energy and proven track record to your team to help horses thrive and your operation succeed.