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.

I have had an interest in horses from the very beginning, as both my parents are non horsey I can remember nagging them for a ridding lesson aged 6, finally they gave in and that was when I became hooked for life. At the age of 10 I got my first pony and we did all pony club activities and regularly competed in local showjumping competitions and we went up through the levels. My first pony Spike was the building block to my love for horses and my passion for working with them. Since then I  have worked with horses of all shapes, sizes and disciplines, and have done lots of freelance riding for clients and friends. I have a particular love for retraining racehorses and working/braking in young horses and gaining their trust through natural horsemanship strategies. I currently have one horse of my own and she is my pride and joy. I have owned her since she was a three year old and she is now 8, we have done a bit of everything together from showing, showjumping and this summer we competed at the trailblazer dressage championships and came 3rd. My aim for next session is to take her out and do some British Eventing in the spring. I have worked on professional yards in the past and I am competent with all stable/horse management and first aid. I am also experienced with clipping, timing, plaiting and turning horses out to a high standards. I believe in treating all horses as individuals and giving them first class care where no corners are cut. Being clean, tidy and organised is something that comes natural to me and I have in the past been accused of having a slight case of OCD when it comes to sweeping and keeping the yard looking clean and tidy!  I love being apart of a fun and friendly but hard working yard as I would consider myself being an outgoing and bubbly person, at the same time I am experienced taking sole charge and do not mind working by myself and getting on with the jobs in hand.

I have had a career brake from working with horses full time over the past 4 1/2 years as I have been working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at a special needs school. Whilst working there I have learnt that patience and time is key when working with children and the same applies to working with horses. I have missed the equestrian industry and feel is time for me to return.

 

 

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

• experienced patient rider
• schooling, jumping and competition experience
• skills with braking in/working with young a difficult horses
• competent with all aspects of yard stable and field management
• clipping, plaiting and turning horses out to a high standard for competition
• taking sole charge of the yard
• working well and efficiently as a member of a small or large team
• super organisational skills
• clean tidy and like things well presented
• experience working with children from all ages
• happy to drive a horse box up to 3.5 tonnes

 

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

• What do you most enjoy about working with horses?

I find horses such rewarding animals to work with, I have a particular fondness when working with difficult or young horses when you gain their trust and you start seeing amazing results in their way of going within their ridden work and on the ground. I am a big believer  in natural horsemanship and giving horses plenty of time and patience during their training whatever level they may be at.

• Is there anything you’d like to improve?

I am always wanting to improve and progress as you never stop learning with horses! I would like to take my BHS teaching qualifications and maybe branch out and take a course to become an equine physiotherapist as this is another area that interest me  greatly. I am always open to constructive criticism and love learning how other people do things as I find it is incredibly important to take other peoples opinions on board as this helps with your own professional development.

 

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

I am an incredibly dedicated, hard working and reliable individual that wants the best for you and your horses. I am super tidy and organised with good time keeping skills and feel I would be a good asset to your yard. I can work on my own as well as work within a team. I am fun friendly and outgoing with experience within many fields.

Requirements

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

I would like to progress with my riding career as this is what I gain the most out of but equity I enjoy all the other jobs that come with horses so I would like a good balance of both yard work, caring,  grooming and ridding with the option to compete for the right yard if this is an option.

• Do you need accommodation?

I ideally would like to stay close to home in Oxfordshire but I would consider moving away for the right job role. If the job is close to home then I would not need accommodation.

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

I do have my own horse and I would consider moving her if the job suits. I also have a very well behaved and loving Border Collie called Alby who has been brought up up around horses and in a farm environment. He lives at home with me and my mum and would only be brought to work if the employer is happy for me to bring him along.

 

• Do you have any ongoing commitments?

The only current commitment I have is caring, riding and looking after my own horse.

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

I currently have no holidays booked.