Experience with Horses

I have been around horses all of my life and have over 11 years full time experience in the equine industry. I’m currently the yard manager at a BHS approved riding school within a private school. My role comprises a mixture of yard work, exercising horses, coaching, and administrative work. I lead the team of yard staff, plan the horses routines and exercise, and ensure we have suitable horses available for the lessons scheduled using the EC Pro booking system. Whilst working here I have achieved my BHS stage 2 coaching qualification, and have started coaching clients and staff.

I first worked as a groom at a busy riding school and livery yard, in which I undertook all aspects of horse care and achieved my BHS stage 3 care and BHS stage 2 riding. I also assisted with office work and the onsite competitions as required. In November 2016 I relocated to a high end livery yard of leisure and competition horses, and got promoted to senior groom in April 2019. I lead the small team to ensure the horses received the highest possible standards of care and that the clients received a five star service. In November 2019 I started a role as a groom at a large stud and livery yard to learn more about stud work. I worked with the rest of the team to care for the stallions, broodmares, youngstock and liveries. I also handled the stallions for semen collection or in hand covering, and lead the team as required. From here I took on a new challenge as head groom/manager of a 24 box livery yard and was responsible for all aspects of running the yard including recruitment of staff and clients, ordering, and managing all the horses to suit their owners individual requirements.

Key Skills

I have excellent time management skills and enjoy working as part of and leading a team, although I am also confident enough to work alone as required. I am used to handling competition horses, stallions, and youngstock,  and I work to a high standard with good attention to detail. I am efficient and competent at all day to day aspects of horse care, and can also ride and lunge as needed. I am able to train and guide other members of staff, and can plan out the working day and allocate individual tasks. I am able to order feed, bedding, and any other supplies needed. I can recruit new staff, and also plan a rota and manage staff holiday allowance.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• I have excellent organisational skills, and in my current role use this to plan each week with the horses exercise and lessons. I also organise staff rota, holiday and training
• I am highly efficient, and can plan my time well to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and to a good standard.
• I have previously been out to shows and plaited for competitions, but have not done this on a regular basis or for some time so may need some practice at this before I’d be up to speed with regular competition grooms.
• I am hard working and adaptable to different situations. I have experience working with a wide variety of horses and good customer service skills for liaising with clients. I work well in a team and alone, and am able to organise and lead other staff members

Requirements

• I am ideally looking for a senior role, although happy to consider others especially if there is potential for progression. I can work either within a team or sole charge.
• I am looking for a live out role within 45 minutes drive of Aldershot/Farnham (Surrey/Hamps border)
• I would like a role in which I can progress and build upon my existing skills. Ideally to include some riding and/or going out to shows
• 5 day week preferred, happy to work flexibly and/or do overtime as required