Experience with Horses

I have been involved with horses for over 20 years, beginning my riding journey at the age of 10. As a teenager, I spent every spare moment at my local yard, riding, helping with daily management, and developing a strong foundation in horse care and horsemanship.

In my 20s, I moved to Taiwan, where I worked as a rider and instructor before returning to the UK to complete my British Horse Society qualifications. Since then, horses have taken me around the world, allowing me to combine my love of travel, learning, and working with people and animals.

My experience spans coaching, riding, groundwork, horse care, trail guiding, staff training, and yard management across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. I have worked with riders of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to more experienced equestrians, and with a wide variety of horses in both tourism and training environments.

Most recently, I worked in South Africa, schooling young horses, leading trail rides, and supporting safari-based equestrian tourism. Prior to this, I managed the equestrian operation on the private island of Mustique, overseeing the care of 15 horses and ponies, teaching guests, leading beach and trail rides, training local staff, and maintaining high standards of horse welfare and customer experience within a luxury hospitality setting.

Throughout my career, I have been drawn to roles that combine horses, people, education, and adventure. I am passionate about creating positive experiences for both horses and riders, with a strong emphasis on welfare, communication, and connection.

Key Skills

• Able to work confidently both independently and as part of a team

• Experienced in all aspects of yard work including clipping, plaiting, and turnout

• Bringing on young horses and producing safe, well-schooled rides

• Flatwork experience up to PSG; confident jumping up to 1.10m (SJ & XC)

• Over 20 years of experience teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

• Qualified Level 2 swimming coach

• Comfortable working in diverse cultural environments and can speak Mandarin and Spanish

Strengths and Areas for Development

I’m a sympathetic, adaptable rider who enjoys working with all types of horses; every horse has something to teach you. I take pride in being an honest, enthusiastic, and dedicated instructor, always looking to improve and expand my knowledge.

Going forward, I’d like to build my confidence over bigger fences and gain more competition experience here in the UK. I’m also keen to deepen my knowledge of horsemanship and work more closely with so-called “problem” horses, who, based on my experience, are often simply misunderstood and need time, patience, and a tailored approach.

Availability

I am currently based in Sussex, UK, and am open to flexible opportunities abroad. With over 20 years of international equestrian experience, I am particularly interested in roles that combine horse welfare, coaching, tourism, and hospitality in unique and inspiring locations.