Experience with Horses

Over the years, I have had many different types of experiences with horses and been around a large variety of different types of horses. I started riding when I was around 3 years old. I didn’t originally come from a ‘horsey’ background so I spent a few years learning to ride in riding schools before I found a riding school where I started to become more involved with the care of the horses as well as helping out with riding lessons and assisting the instructor. This is where I discovered by true love for caring for horses and creating bonds. I then took on my own loan pony where I got to experience more such as pony club camps and competition environments. After she retired I knew that wasn’t enough so I started looking for my own, and this is where I found my Arab Barney who has been with me now for over 6 years. Over all the things I’ve done and jobs I’ve had, my own horse must be my proudest achievement to date. I bought him as an 8 year old who knew nothing other than an endurance career and he was difficult and interesting to say the least. but he has come on for far and experienced all new things such as dressage, showjumping, cross-country, fun rides, the beach and has now happily settled into an unlikely career of hunting!

My other proudest achievement would have to completing both my Level 3 Diploma in Horse Management and my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management. I studied this for 2 years and can honestly say I loved every minute. the subjects we learnt about were so incredibly interesting and things I know I will take on into any future career. these subjects include:

• Stable and Yard Management
• Equine nutrition
• Equine Fitness
• Equine Rehabilitation
• Equine Biology and Anatomy
• Equine Health/First aid
• Riding on the flat, over fences and cross-country
• Tack and Equipment
• Lunging

After I completed my studies, I accepted a job as head groom at Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt where I was in sole charge of their 12 large hunt horses. A second groom was hired later on and I enjoyed working in a team. In this position, my role was the general care of the horses, as well as fittening ready for hunting and the turnout of the horses. my job role included mucking out, feeding, watering, exercising, using the horse walker, grooming, clipping, plaiting and tack cleaning.

There are also many experiences and situations I’ve been in through simply being around horses every day. I’ve been around accidents and gained knowledge on what to do as well as the experience and the ability to be able to keep calm and level headed. I’ve had to deal with minor and major injuries to horses as well as other things such as colic, kissing spines, even a broken leg. throughout everything I have ever seen or experienced, one thing has always been the same and that is my passion and pure deep love for the animals. All I have ever wanted is to be around them and I always deliver the very best care and attention to every single horse as I believe they all deserve it.

While I was studying, I was working as a groom for a privately run family yard where I was in sole charge of 12 horses. Of course this job was only part-time as I was studying at the same time but every day I worked I was alone as had to muck out, feed, water, groom, turn-out, change rugs and exercise all 12. I really enjoyed working in this position. I created a really good relationship with the family I worked for and I created great friendships with all the horses. I enjoyed being in sole charge and I thrive off of the sense of achievement I get from completing everything to a high standard alone.

Key skills

Equine related skills:

• Plaiting
• clipping
• lunging
• First aid
• 2 years college education

Non-Equine related skills:

• Reliable
• Efficient
• Can work in sole charge
• Can work in a team
• Good initiative
• Confident

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

Everything! I love horses and I love caring for them! They are amazing animals that each have great personalities and I love getting to know them all. No day is the same as the last and that is the best part.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I always want to improve! You can never ever know enough so why stop learning!?

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

I think that I should be considered because I always put 110% into everything I do. I am a positive and enthusiastic person who’s top priority is impeccable horse care.

 

Requirements

• Do you need accommodation?

Not necessarily, would happily be considered but do have own transport.

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

I have a dog and a horse of my own that I would prefer to bring if I were to live in.

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

I am currently working in a waitressing position but i am seriously looking to get out of this. the only reason I haven’t handed in my notice yet is due to having horses and cars.

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

No.