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Horse Jobs

British Dressage (BD) Young Persons Award deadline extended

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Horse Scout Blogger nearly missed the boat with this one: A not-to-be-missed opportunity for those looking to begin or develop their dressage career, the scheme is aimed at young professionals aged 18 – 25 with grants on offer ranging from £4000 for the winner to £100 for runner ups!

U25s, are you looking to build a career in dressage? Whether it’s riding, coaching, judging or yard management, British Dressage would love to hear from you!

U25s, boost your dressage career with the Young Persons Award for 18-25 year olds. The deadline has been extended until Monday 20th April 2015 to apply for the Young Professionals Award workshop. With a total prize fund of over £7,000, plus the chance to showcase yourself in front of dressage’s elite, don’t miss this great opportunity to boost your dressage career today.

The Young Professional’s Award (YPA) scheme focuses on finding talented young people who have what it takes to develop a successful career within the dressage industry. It’s not necessarily about discovering the best rider – it’s about unearthing those with the dedication, talent and qualities to be the complete professional.

Interested? To help those who are considering submitting an application, want to improve their CV and interview technique, or just want more information about the award, we’ve created the perfect workshop for you.

Held at the Windmill Village Hotel, Coventry on Wednesday 22 April, the day will run from 10am-4pm and will include presentations and workshops on the award’s history, marketing and the different media available, planning for the future, running your own business – plus much more.

Tickets for the workshop day are £25.00 per person and include lunch/refreshments and the workshop pack. Application form and booking fee must be returned to the office by Monday 20 April 2014.

The workshop covers:

  • The history of the award, its aims and how it has developed
  • Key note ‘Surviving in the Sport’
  • Sponsorship, Marketing, Media and Social Networks
  • Qualifications, Planning for the Future and Personal Development
  • CV’s and Interview Techniques
  • Running your own Business (Book keeping, Tax and the Law)

So, whether you’re working as an apprentice at a professional yard, running a yard or developing your own activity with horses click here for more information, get in touch and take your career to the next level today!

Horse Jobs

Working in the Horse Racing Industry? : A quick run through the courses available to you

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Is your head in the clouds? Do you dream about being there? Follow your Passion and work in the Horse Racing Industry.

As we sat and watched Many Clouds win the Grand National a few days ago those people in the industry are more than aware that it is the culmination of a huge number of people and organisations that make this race work.

From the starting point of the horse as a foal and its journey through life to all those involved in looking after it, right through to the teams of people that make a race day happen.

Horse Scout has opportunities in racing listed on its pages.  Follow this link to Grove Farm Racing Stables and start with the best, John Gallagher, and start searching for that placement to take you where you want to go.

The career paths in the industry are many, the common theme of all is a passion for horses, racing and the community around it.

The British Racing School has joined forces with Warwickshire College to bring you the first Foundation Degree for the Horseracing Industry.  The qualification itself is made up of ten core modules, which are common to all routes in addition to up to seven optional modules.  As a flexible distance learning programme, you will not only choose what you study but when and where.

All foundation degrees have a strong accent on vocational study or in other words educational content with a practical bias, ideal for those whose interests lie in achieving a greater depth of knowledge and understanding as related to the highly practical business of training racehorses, managing facilities and the commercial aspects of training.

For those with the desire to add to their knowledge in areas such as equine nutrition, physiology, biomechanics or applied business management, the problem has always been time, space and place.

The Foundation Degree in the Horseracing Industry is a programme that is predominantly delivered by distance learning so anyone who joins the course continue their career development without even leaving the yard!

So students can, for example, be studying aerobic/anaerobic thresholds by night and in practical terms understand the difference between the two on the gallops the next day.

Entry requirements and routes

Consider – the art, the science and the potential combined power of the two. With four study routes – the Racehorse, Breeding, Business and General Studies, candidates taking up a place on the Foundation Degree have a direct hand in the design their own study programme.

Route 1 – the Racehorse

This option will have a broad appeal to racing enthusiasts, trainers or those aspiring to be trainers.

Route 2 – Breeding

Will be of particular interest to stud managers, stud grooms, stud owners or those involved in owning breeding stock

Route 3 – Business

Provides ready access to the knowledge and skills required to manage a professional business whether a commercial training operation, racecourses or other multiplex sporting venues?

Route 4 – General

This option provides a pick and mix approach which may be the preferred choice for those who have completed their Level 3 and want to progress into HE.

Also potentially for those with an interest in racing, owners of a horse in training or a mare at stud who want to know a bit more, and those already working in related areas of the industry who simply want to develop their knowledge.

The qualification itself is made up of ten core modules, which are common to all routes in addition to up to seven optional modules. As a flexible distance-learning programme, candidates gaining a place on the Foundation Degree not only choose what they study but when and where they study.

The distance learning or ‘open university’ model is further enhanced by the opportunity to study a selection of modules via short/one week study blocks at the British Racing School, a fantastic opportunity to experience the top class education delivered at the very heart of racing in the UK.

Those wishing to apply will need the normal 180 points or the equivalent in addition to GCSE (or equivalent) passes in Mathematics, English and Combined Science. Mature students who do not satisfy the formal entry requirements can also apply as they can be given exemption in some cases. The only other qualification required when applying for the programme is a strong equine base and a determination to succeed.

Horse Scout has opportunities in racing listed on its pages.  Follow this link to Grove Farm Racing Stables and start with the best, John Gallagher, and start searching for that first placement to take you where you want to go.

 

 

Horse Jobs

Dream Job Working With Horses? Make sure you know the answers to the right questions.

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Looking for work in the horse world? Having been on both sides of the fence Horse Scout Blogger knows just how it’s not just an interviewer who needs to know about you. You need to know about the job. And both of you need to know you are the right person for that job, by establishing expectations and measuring this against experience.

 

Having been contacted by a prospective employer or when searching for a job make sure you do your research.  Find out as much as you reasonably can about the yard where you will be working and your employers.  If they are professional riders they will have a track record and more than likely a website, and social profiles.  Make sure that their line of work suits you, it sounds obvious but if you want to show ponies don’t apply to be a jockey!

 

Top Tips to make sure you get the most perfect job you can.

 

  1. Be honest about your experience
  2. Be honest about your ability
  3. Be open abut your expectations

 

Ask questions about the things which are important to you

 

  1. What are your duties
  2. What are your hours
  3. Speak to other members of staff if you can

 

Understand the job you are applying for by finding out

 

  1. The employers expectations
  2. Your level of responsibility
  3. Who you speak to if you have problems
  4. Will you be in sole charge
  5. If it is a live in position make sure you see your accommodation
  6. Find out about transport links if you do not have your own transport or a car is not available
  7. Ask about the horses you will be riding, grooming handling
  8. Ask about pay, sick pay, time off and holidays
  9. What insurances are in place in case of accidents
  10. Who pays for PPE equipment, is there an equipment allowance

 

Other things which both employers and employees need to consider are:

 

  1. Pets
  2. What are normal hours and what is considered overtime
  3. Probation period and payment terms
  4. Working towards accreditation and the implications for both employer and groom
  5. Use of own vehicle; fuel and upkeep for business use
  6. Visiting friends/family (if it is a live in position)

 

Both parties should consider a period of consideration before accepting offering a job to a candidate.

 

Are you looking for work? Horse Scout professionals often have a STAFF REQUIRED badge against their profiles you can click through and contact them directly.  If you are looking for work riders or grooms then check out Horse Scouts specialist pages here. or look below at two grooms listed on our pages who are looking for placements at the moment.

Experienced freelance groom available for yard cover and competitions. Kirsty Borriello, from New Zealand is presently in Wiltshire and has worked extensively with international eventers, show jumpers and dressage horses. She confirms, in her Horse Scout listing, that she can turn out to a high standard and is happy to work as part of a team or on her own. 

17 year old Tori Owen, is looking for a live in position says she has been working with horses since a young age and that her forte is producing horses to compete in show jumping. She writes that she is a very hard worker and love what I do. 

Horse Jobs

Weekdays or weekends? Part time grooms for two very different yards

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Horse Scout has two wonderful yards looking for part time staff. Dressage specialists Labazordiere Dressage in Surrey are looking for a groom to cover weekday mornings (but are flexible) and in Chiddingfold, also in Surry, Southern Schoolmasters, who specialise in western riding and reining are looking for a groom to cover weekends

Labazordiere Dressage in Bramley, Surrey are looking for either a part or full time groom to join us in their new dressage training yard in Bramley, Surrey. Monday – Friday mornings preferable, but can be relatively flexible on days / times Candidate must be experienced and confident as we have youngsters and stallions. Training can be given. Candidates must be capable of taking occasional sole charge on occasion. This is not Live In position so own car a must. Friendly owners, good atmosphere and beautiful location

Labazordiere Dressage is the exclusive equestrian training centre on the spectacular 1000acre Wintershall Estate in the heart of the Surrey Hills and conveniently located to the nearby town of Godalming. Offering premier Livery, Facilities & Training in the art of Classical Dressage. The Stables are located at the heart of the Estate, surrounded by the pastures and some of the estates many lakes. The boxes are large and airy in an indoor barn complete with automatic water drinkers and with rear windows opening out to wonderful views of the Estate. There is a wash bay as well as a farriers bay within the indoor facility. The tack room is spacious and secure, with a washing machine, hot & cold water and offers tea and coffee facilities. The secluded Arena is nestled within the hills and is a 20m x 60m outdoor with a sand & passada surface for optimum riding with the peaceful outlook over the surrounding pastures and lakes. Exceptional Hacking on the doorstep to enjoy the stunning scenery either up quiet country lanes, across the Surrey Hills, fields and woodlands or within the neighbouring Wentworth Arboretum.

Specialising in the French Classical Dressage methods of training. Jean is a freelance, experienced registered Coach & Instructor and has benefitted from some of the highest classical training in Europe – Trained by and Son of Jacques Papin (student of Maitre Nuno Oliveira and taught to the highest level at the National Equitation School in Saumur). Jean has been a professional rider & trainer in the French National Stud in Rennes, France and has trained horse & rider in classical dressage and for modern competition from beginner levels up to Grand Prix. Nikita Mitson participates in British Dressage competitions and is qualified in Equine Science and Management as well as a Degree in Law with a focus on Equine Law. They collaborated together in England to establish a livery yard to produce horses both for the art of equitation and for modern competition.

Southern Schoolmasters in Chiddingfold, Surrey are looking for a weekend groom. Are you looking for an opportunity to be involved with horses at the weekend and are keen to learn more about Western Riding. then this may well be just up your street.

Southern Schoolmasters ‘Centre of Horsemanship’, run by a professional team offers a range personalised equestrian services, including livery, training, rehabilitation and tuition. The yard is situated Chiddingfold, Surrey, surrounded by acres of farmland. It offers 5 spacious stables, all weather floodlit school, round pen and all year turnout on well-managed grazing. There are miles of off road hacking, wooded bridleways. Southern Schoolmasters provides you and your horse excellent livery and training facilities with knowledgeable care and first hand access to our team’s experience and guidance. The aim is to provide a safe and relaxed environment that welcomes everyone from competition riders to happy hackers who want to learn, and work with their horses in a respectful way. Options are available for full, part or DIY livery as well as training and sales livery.

We are looking to recruit a reliable confident and experienced groom to join our existing team. We are a professional working livery yard with up to 20 full liveries. The position is yard based and all normal duties are required to be performed to a very high standard. The ideal candidate will have a good standard of horsemanship and have a quiet manner around the yard and horses. The candidate will require a basic knowledge of horses, be outgoing, quick thinking have initiative and lots of common sense. Having a keen eye for details, being physically fit and not afraid of hard work is a must . The yard team work on a 4 days on 2 days off rota which includes weekends. Own transport is essential due to early starts and lack of public transport locally.

Horse Jobs

Going Dutch? – Opportunity for Living and Learning with Ron Smeets in Holland

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Learning and living in Holland with Ron Smeets Dressage Horses There are many different programmes available at Ron Smeets dressage horses in Hulsberg , Limburg. Trainer Ron Smeets is a FEI Grand Prix rider for almost 20 years and is offering a fantastic opportunity to a working pupil to join his team in Hulsberg, Limburg. He says on his Horse Scout profile, “We offer a simple boarding/ livery with a lesson or training session included once a week. We also take horses at all levels for training; from breaking to Grand Prix. With a wide range of international clients and contacts, you can also place your horse with us to be sold” He says that their working student program focuses on teaching training techniques and philosophies of dressage and barn management. This program* helps the rider learn to “train” and not just to “ride” horses. We invest a lot of time every day in training and developing our working students as professional riders. Working students will be provided with full room and board along with meals. References are available from previous working students. Please note that this is not a program for a novice rider. ‘Ron Smeets Dressage’ provides quality top horses that are sold around the world. Ron Smeets started his riding career training with Sjef Janssen (trainer of Anky van Grunsven, and he is currently training the Dutch Dressage Team). He became extremely successful at a young age showing in many different national and international competitions. At 18 years old he joined Young Riders and competed with them till the age of 21, representing Holland in many different international competitions. Now Ron has been a Gold Medal rider for 20 years. Currently he is focused on his training, selling, and breeding programs at home. He travels several times a year to teach clinics in various places in the United States as well as England. Charlotte Osborne – is currently the yard manager and rider at the fantastic private dressage barn in the south of Holland where Ron Smeets is based.

Equestrian Centre

Stonar School Equestrian Centre – Equestrian Apprenticeships- Do you want one?

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What is an “Equestrian Apprenticeship?” There are 2 types of equine apprenticeships.

1. Intermediate level apprenticeship; this is working as an assistant  as a groom, stud groom/hand, trek assistant, supporting harness horse trainer, assistant groom in agriculture or an apprentice or conditional jockey

2. Advanced level apprenticeship: this covers working as a groom, assistant yard manager, trek leader, intermediate instructor/level 3 coach or a jockey harness horse groom, trainer or driver and with agricultural harness horses.

Currently, there are many different apprenticeship schemes open to people wanting to work with horses. The government is currently redesigning 76 different apprenticeship schemes, from TV production to welding, and including grooms. Now (November 2014) member bodies of the British Equestrian Federation, the British Horseracing Authority, equestrian charities, The Household Cavalry and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, as well as representatives from polo and hunting, have become part of a steering group, facilitated by Trent Park Equestrian Centre, to standardise apprenticeships by 2017.

“The overall outcome of the reform is to ensure that every industry benefits from a well-trained workforce with transferable skills,” said Sue Martin of Trent Park Equestrian Centre.

“We will produce a standard of apprenticeship for the equine industry that is world class and builds on existing strengths, with industry and the grooms benefiting from having specialised training.”

Brian Hutton of Talland School of Equitation added: “This will give the many strands of the horseworld the opportunity to work together to create a rounded, educated, practical groom with all the skills for the future of the industry.”

Through the radical apprenticeship reform, The Department for Business Innovation and Skills aims to increase the quality of apprenticeships, put employers in the driving seat and simplify the system.

In doing so it expects that the successful apprentice will be held in the same esteem as a university graduate.

If you would like to take up an apprenticeship in the horse world then look no further!

Stonar Equestrian Centre is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and efficient person to join our existing team as an equestrian apprentice. Top level coaching provided towards BHS exams, NVQ in horse care and Haddon Training apprenticeships. Regular lessons in both showjumping and dressage with our coaches are included. The successful candidate will be a dedicated, motivated person and preferably have some industry experience. Candidates must show good communication skills and enjoy working with children. This is a full time position with a requirement to work some weekends.  Acommodation and full board included.

Stonar Equestrian Centre is a BHS approved Riding School and Livery Yard and has BHS ‘Where to Train’ approval up to BHSI level. Riding has been a core feature of the school for several decades. The outstanding facilities include first class indoor and outdoor schools, stabling for 65 horses and a cross country schooling field with a wide variety of different fences. Whether pupils are complete beginners, wanting to ride for fun or are already riding competitively, our equestrian education will continue their riding development. Riders can bring their own horse or pony to school.

The centre has an impressive staff line up Darrell Scaife FBHS, Eleanor Halsey BHSII and Joanne Chilcott BHSII and very good facilities including an onsite xcountry course.

 

Horse Jobs

Excellent job available for good riders: “Are you looked after” asks John Gallagher?

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Are you looking for work in a racing stables?

“Fun ownership with happy horses” is the mantra at John Gallagher’s family-owned yard near Moreton-in-Marsh. And while that might simply appear to be the kind of opportunistic marketing which many small yards employ, the proof is there for all to see says the Gloustershire Echo of this family run racing yard.

“Competing against those trainers who can call on the resources of big-spending owners is never easy, and John and wife Rebecca have always been fighting a battle to be competitive with cheaply-bought or home-bred horses.

The true test of a competent trainer is his or her ability to place such animals to advantage, and a record in 2014 of 12 handicap winners from just 42 runners is remarkable by anyone’s standards, and more so when you consider how competitive such races are, particularly at sprint trips.”

Grove Farm Racing Stables in Oxon is run by John Gallagher Licensed Racehorse Trainer 4 qualified members of staff. These excellent family owned facilities in the Cotswolds, including 7 furlong all-weather gallop, 5 furlong grass gallop, new parkland gallop 1m 2f round, the horses love it! large loose school, fences and hurdles all set in 60 acres of organic grass turn out. 112 winners so far………!!!

Groves Farm is looking for staff for their friendly successful 30 horse racing stables in the Cotswolds. They state that their racehorses are well behaved and good to ride for any person experienced with horses. The industry is regulated.

Grove Farm has excellent accommodation, facilities, the job itself offers good hours, wages, expenses, bonuses and insurance.

Riding 2 to 3 horses a day.

Taking your horses racing.

Working hours are 7am – 1pm then 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Every other week end 4pm to 5pm sat 8am to 10am then 4pm to 5pm Sun.

30 days holiday per year.

Minimal mucking out.

Must be able to ride well.

Under 10st.

Experience preferred but if a confident rider you will be considered.

The yard covers:

Breaking & Producing

Breeding & Stud

Livery – DIY & Paddock

Pre-training Race

Racing – Dual Purpose

Racing – Flat

Racing – Jump

 

 

Dressage

5 Work riders with profiles on Horse Scout

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Do you need a hand with your horses?

Here are hard working grooms and work riders who have listings on Horse Scout. If you are looking for someone to help at your stables or with your horse have a look at our Grooms & Work Riders pagesSome of Horse Scouts listed Work Riders and Grooms

Steph Farrar – Sandbach, Cheshire I am a kind, patient and sympathetic rider, specialising in problem horses. I have ridden since the age of four, and loaned and owned horses for many years. I worked with problem horses for around ten years and have had some marked success with a number of troublesome horses, some of which had been deemed ‘unrideable’ by their owners or other riders. From loading worries to spookers to bolshy or aggressive horses, to those are simply young and green, I will try and help. I specialise in jumping, both show jumping and cross country, but am also happy to school in dressage, lungeing, groundwork and join-up/natural horsemanship techniques. If you need a horse or horses exercising, breaking, schooling, competing or problem behaviour resolved. I am based in Cheshire, but will happily cover Staffordshire, Manchester, Derbyshire and more. My rates vary with distance travelled. My references are available upon request. Specialist areas – Breaking & Producing, Eventing, Dressage, Hunting, Show Jumping, Rehabilitation,

Lizzie Norton – Henstridge – I am a freelance groom based in henstridge, Somerset. I work in the Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire area but willing to travel. Am available for all groom duties from day to day duties, short or long term cover, competition grooming plus able to travel to competitions with you, hunt preparation. Also available for all riding aspects. Specialise in breaking in youngsters, difficult horses, retraining of ex racehorses. Able to meet any need in which you have. Specialst areas – Breaking & Producing, Eventing, Dealing, Hunting, Livery – All Types, Show Jumping, Point to Point, Pre-Training Race, Racing – Flat, Racing – Jump, Racing – Dual Purpose, Rehabilitation, Riding Schools, ROR,

Fiona Jopling in Hampshire is a professional groom. She is available and looking for work She is an experienced groom with 20 years expertise. She has a Lorry 7.5 tonne driving license and a valid driving license. She has experience in Backing /Breaking/P2P/ Race horses/exercising youngsters and competition riding (Affiliated) She lists her areas of expertise as Breeding & Stud work, Breaking & Producing, Eventing, Dressage, Driving, Pre-Training Race & Rehabilitation

Becky Forte from Bexhill in East Sussex says she has a high standard of turnout and can trim clip etc. she has good client liaison skills and is easy and professional with her clients. In my past life I have worked with horses from the age of 17 including event horses up to Badminton level where I was sole charge groom and show jumpers to international standard. I have BHS Stage II, Pony Club B+ and have XC trained up to Novice level. At home I am competing Novice level dressage and 80cm SJ (I’m not as brave as I was!) I am currently working full time away from horses and have a family. I have been doing the odd weekend/holiday/show week (i.e. Hickstead) cover and really enjoy it. I am happy to travel and hold a full clean UK driving licence. I have not driven a lorry but as I am older (!!) I have the facility on my licence to drive up to 7.5 tonne and would be happy to do this if required. If you are in the South and need occasional help at shows or at home and would like a sensible, experienced animal loving person to help then please feel free to contact me. I can still plait and trim but my clipping is rusty and I would not be confident doing a complicated clip. I feel it is important to be honest about my capabilities. I am not looking for a further career in horses, I just enjoy grooming and would like to attend the odd show/event and/or help someone out if I am able.

 

Horse Jobs

Lucinda Fredericks – Working Pupil and Temporary Groom Opportunities

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Are you looking for an opportunity on an eventing yard? Horse Scout has two positions advertised.

Lucinda Fredericks has a new opportunity for a working pupil to join her yard near Devises  with (or without) their horse from March 2015.

Closing date: Friday 20th February 2015 This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to experience life on an International Eventing yard as part of a fantastic and friendly team, whilst developing your own, and your horses career. Case Study: Zoe joined us in August 2014 as a Working Pupil, she has shown herself to be a hardworking member of the team who is quick to learn and is a joy to be around. Due to her commitment and enthusiasm we have worked with her to transfer her onto an apprenticeship scheme and she is now working towards a level 3 qualification with us. Zoe commented “Lucinda is someone I aspire to be like and what more could you want than being at her yard itself. In five years time I see myself and my own horse competing regularly in different disciplines, surrounded by and being part of a determined, hard working team. My ambition is to run my own yard for breaking, schooling and competitive livery”. For full information please see our website.

Lucinda also has a place for a Temporary Full Time Groom – immediate start Position 1: Temporary groom with immediate start We are currently seeking a temporary groom, full time over 6 days to start immediately. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to gain experience working on an International Eventing yard as part of a fantastic and friendly team. Excellent on site accommodation is available.

Horse Jobs

Lauren Shannon and Horse Scout

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Welcome to my new fortnightly blog for Horse Scout!

My name is Lauren Shannon and my team of Shannon Eventing horses are based in Leicestershire at Mushill Farm.

I have ridden for British Young Rider teams, after spending 13 formative years in the United States-and picking up an American twang to my voice in the process. I have also competed horses that I have produced from youngsters all the way to four star at Badminton and Burghley horse trials.

My team and I built the stables at Mushill Farm last year, and moved in just after the beginning of the season. We have settled in well, and are now looking forward to a bumper year of competition both at British Eventing and FEI events. We are a fairly small yard by competition standards with only 14 stables, but I’m lucky enough to compete a select few very talented horses and train students who are based with me along with helping out the competitive amateur liveries here at Mushill. It’s a great mix of people, and we all get on brilliantly because we all love bringing horses on and competing!

I’ve got three lovely girls who work for me, Mollie, Bex and Amber who all have horses based here competing and I couldn’t get anything done without their constant help. My other half Tom also gets roped in to all the maintenance jobs around the place, as well as being affectionately called our “catering manager” at events!

So with the eventing season fast approaching, we have become very busy at the yard with schooling and show outings every weekend and most of the week too. I have a couple stunning young horses to sell in the next month or so, so they are out learning what life is about while the older horses get their eye in before our first event at Oasby in the middle of March.

Alongside all this I am teaching a fair bit and trying not to freeze to death, as I tend to stuggle in the cold quite a bit! So do keep checking back for more updates as we brave the last of the winter and head into another exciting year of eventing!