Equine centre deputy manager interview

Do you ride or own a horse?
I don't own a horse at the moment.

I live on site at Felledge and my time is taken up with the RSPCA's horses. It's a rewarding job and nearly as satisfying as being an owner myself.

I was brought up with horses and when I left school I started working at an event yard.
 
I was a working pupil and competed my own novice eventer from the yard as well.

I don't regret my years as a working groom; that's when you learn the knack of watching individual horses for problems or unsoundnesses.

It also becomes a matter of pride that your horses look right - the staff at Felledge will tell you that I'm rather particular about that sort of thing.

How did you get into the role?
I saw a job advert in the local paper for a groom's post with welfare horses.

The idea really took my fancy so I applied.

I am very interested in breaking and schooling and bringing horses on for riding.

This was detailed in the advert and I thought it would be the job for me.
 

What training or experience was needed?
Together with my practical experience, I had passed the BHS NVQ's, so I was qualified to make a start.

Since I've been here, I've continued learning - each young horse provides a different challenge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How would you describe a typical day?
I am in charge of the equine side of the centre, so my day begins with unlocking the doors and switching off the burglar alarm.

A proportion of my day is spent doing admin.

This entails dealing with vet, farrier and feeding matters for the centre.

There are files to update for the horses which are the subject of prosecutions and case records to complete.

All of the horses have a weekly health check and are in worming programmes, so I organise all that.

There are staff rotas to do as well.

Then there is the big day, when someone comes to try a horse or pony.

It's always a bit nerve wracking because you want it to go well.

I love to break the odd horse in, so when there is time, I take one on as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Turning a nervous wreck of an animal into a useful family horse.

When horses come to Felledge they are often so challenged by everything that they are giving all the wrong signals.

As the days go by, they start to relax and realise that we're on their side.

The progression is always fascinating.

There is also a brilliant team spirit at Felledge.

We all work very hard and are happy to do so - I'm lucky to have great people and great horses in my care.