Careers, Education and Training - including

CAREER PATH

SO YOU WANT TO BE A…

The equestrian industry is full of incredible careers, and in the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) Career Month, Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA, spoke to lots of different people with incredible jobs, and picked tips from each!

Here are just a few: Equestrian Events Organiser

Claire spoke to Nicky Townshend, Assistant Director of Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials, here are some highlights:

• There are different ways to get into this kind of role, Nicky does have an equine degree but found her way here through working in lots of different jobs in the industry • Having equestrian knowledge really helps as it helps you understand what competitors want, and what types of tradestands might entice

visitors too • Some event teams are really small, meaning that the job role is diverse. From talking to tradestands and sponsors to generator contractors • It’s not necessary to have a degree (but it can help), but the key is to get in touch with events and look for placements available and go and work with the team for a season Consider volunteering at local events, get an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes including the long hours and the pressure • Computer literacy is also incredibly important as is experience on social media platforms. Highs of the job – when everything is ready to go and knowing that the team did it. The feeling when people come and love the event. Lows of the job - dealing with the licensing and essential paperwork side of the event. Equestrian Journalist

Claire spoke to Eleanor Jones, News Editor at Horse & Hound, here are some highlights:

• It’s not always regular hours • You have to know the subject well • You have to be interested in people - why is this happening, how do you feel about that, and how will it affect people • The role has changed over the years due to social media and the internet. The good thing about the internet is that you can cover so much more than just in print, you can also keep people up to date in real time and use video • You need to be good at English, but that ability to ask the questions that matter is essential • There are different ways to get into journalism, from training on the job, NCTJ, journalism degrees, and magazine training courses. Highs of the job - making a difference and being able to research and then share stories that can impact people. Lows of the job – when stories fall apart at the last minute.

Nutritionist

Claire spoke to Louise Jones from Redmills and Kate Hore from NAF. Here are some highlights:

• There’s a voluntary register to be a registered nutritionist.

This requires the nutritionist to provide documents and evidence of experience to be considered. When accepted, there’s the need to do CPD • Being a nutritionist may become a protected term in the future- at the moment it isn’t. The RNutr letters after the name show that person

has been approved to be on the register • The job can be diverse depending on what type of nutritionist you are. Kate does a lot of training, works with legislation and regulatory affairs, writing educational articles, and developing new products with the veterinary team. Louise visits clients such as racehorse trainers, studs and more doing diet reports, analysing forage, giving advice on clinical situations with vets, in addition to office work too • If you’re trained in nutrition,

you could also go into stores, work with sponsored riders, work on care lines, etc. There are lots of jobs with a nutrition element • A knowledge of the equine industry is important • An equine science degree is useful, but it will still take a number of years to gain the

RNutr qualification. Highs of the job – Louise enjoys the clinical side and working with vets. Kate really likes the feedback - giving people help and advice and seeing that advice followed and work well. Lows of the job - the travelling can be quite intensive if you visit a lot of yards. The legislation and making sure the labels are all correct in different languages for export can be challenging.

SQP/RAMA

Claire spoke to Kristy Hodgson from Westgate Laboratories. Here are some highlights:

• A qualification (usually from AMTRA, the Animal Medicines

Training Regulatory Authority) is needed to be an SQP • An SQP (Suitably Qualified Person), is the term defined in the legislation for someone that can prescribe and sell certain types of medicines, including wormers to horse owners. They are trained on worm control including the use of worm egg counts and if one is needed, what type of wormer is appropriate. It’s a well regulated area as wormers are medicines and need to be used responsibly • SQP details are held on a national register • A RAMA (Registered Animal Medicine Adviser) is another name for an SQP • SQPs can work in a variety of roles with many working in saddlery stores prescribing wormers • Becoming an SQP takes dedication as there’s a lot to learn.

You don’t have to have horses or have a science background, but it could help and make it a bit easier. Highs of the job - being part of the change that will help us to keep horses well in the future by addressing resistance Lows of job – changing attitudes around worming. There is still resistance out there when it comes to wormers vs worm egg counts. Equine Dental Technician

Claire spoke to Grant Chanter, an Equine Dental Technician. Here are some highlights:

• The British Equine Veterinary Association have an exam for people who want to become an EDT. There’s a theory element and a practical element • The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians has a mentor system to support people in becoming EDTs. Apprenticeships are really valuable too • People who are EDTs don’t have to have qualifications • It helps to be ‘horsey’ but it’s not essential, but it’s important to be comfortable with horses, particularly when they’re stressed • There’s a lot of variety in the job • You do have to be physically fit • The majority of EDTs are self employed • If you’re interested in the professional, get experience with EDTs.

Sales Agent

Claire spoke to Michael Darley from Darley Equestrian. Here are some highlights:

• As a sales representative, you get paid by the company, but as a sales agent you get paid on a commission basis. As a sales agent, you tend to run your own business • Sales agents tend to work in territories. This means that there can be a lot of driving involved to cover large areas and you will have to stay away from home too • The hours can be very long. Because technology allows you to be contacted whenever, this tends to happen • It’s essential to be motivated and to be personable • You don’t need an equestrian background but you do need to develop knowledge.

This is just a snapshot of some of the people that Claire spoke to during the series. To see all the videos, head over to BETA’s Facebook page which can be found at facebook.com/BETAequestrian.

THE ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL AND ITS EQUESTRIAN OFFERING

When a child is passionate about the countryside and outdoor activities such as horse riding, it can be hard to find a school that enables them to truly be themselves.

This is why pupils who board at The Royal Hospital School (RHS), in Holbrook, Suffolk, are given the opportunity to put their own pony or horse in livery. It is so important for those children who love to ride to be able to enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits that come with equestrian sport. Livery or loan The school works with two local stables, Hill Farm and Bylam Livery Stables. Bylam Livery offers tuition to experienced riders and those training for competitions and also accompanies them to county and national competitions throughout the year. Pupils who board at RHS can livery their own ponies at Bylam Livery, or have part or full loans of ponies whilst at school. A way of life RHS understands that riding is not just a sport to many pupils, but a way of life. For children who have grown up with horses, or enjoyed riding at home, being able to spend time at the stables to not only ride, but also develop stable management skills, is something that can really enhance a pupil’s school experience. Livery riders can join riding lessons if they wish to, spend time honing their jumping, eventing or dressage skills, or simply ride in the ménage or hack out with friends. Sophie Coward-Talbott , a Year 9 student at RHS, says: “My mum used to ride so almost straight away I was surrounded by horses. When I was in Year 7, I had my horse board at the stables for a term. It’s a great opportunity, as you get to do what you love whilst being at school studying.” Opting for riding for games lessons One of the many benefits of independent education is the large amount of extra-curricular activities on offer. For equestrian pupils, they can elect to ride as an afterschool activity, a huge bonus for boarding pupils who can continue to do something they love, but in addition they can also ride as their chosen sport during games lessons, of which there are usually two game sessions a week, plus weekends and after school. This gives experienced equestrian pupils dedicated time to develop their sport while also allowing others the opportunity to try something new. The benefits of riding so frequently can be seen in the skills of the RHS equestrian team riders, who ride as part of the National Schools Equestrian FINDING A SCHOOL THAT ALLOWS A CHILD TO BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELF IS SO IMPORTANT - BY HARRIET BARBER, HEAD OF ART AND ADMINISTRATOR FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORTS AT ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

Association competition, taking part in the county and national league, from grassroots level up. The school has show jumping, dressage and arena eventing teams who compete at a high level. This year the team has qualified at Keysoe and will also be going to Windsor. Nurturing interests RHS prides itself on offering opportunities for pupils to excel in a wide range of different areas, and the equestrian offering is just one example of how the school supports pupils to develop their individual skillset, as well as build character, confidence and a core set of values. RHS’s aim is to fully prepare students for their future by developing well-balanced pupils who can go on to get the most out of life, and this starts with nurturing a pupil’s interests.

www.royalhospitalschool.org

REDWINGS IS... RECRUITING!

Working for a horse welfare charity can be challenging, and at times upsetting, but seeing on a daily basis the difference we can make to the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules means it is also incredibly rewarding. We have a variety of paid roles at Redwings and in some cases a ‘get stuck in’ attitude is more important than having experience of working with horses!

65-year-old David is a Horse Care Team Member at a Redwings site in Norfolk and has been with the charity for 15months. David said: “I didn’t have any horse experience at all, in fact I was a bit nervous of them, but that’s all changed now. I used to be a lorry driver. I was out on a run and there was a horse stuck in a ditch. I rang the RSPCA and police and they came out and rescued her. They found out who owned her, and I got a thank you note. That’s when I thought, I’d like to work with animals. I started looking at what was available, and Redwings took me on. I do anything they ask me to: poo picking, feeding, cleaning shelters, fixing fences – I love doing the fences - I thoroughly enjoy it. “With training, I’m now leading horses and helping with farriers. Being with the horses is my favourite part, I love making a fuss of them, and you can see they appreciate it. I had two favourites who unfortunately passed, and I don’t mind saying I cried like a baby. “There’s not a job more rewarding I don’t think. I wish I’d come here years ago. I can’t think of a better job.” Redwings employs 341 people an amazing 82% of whom are women. Ali is a Senior Equine Centre Team Member who is celebrating 16-years of working at Redwings. Ali said: “I’m helping out at Redwings Aylsham at the moment, which is one of our visitor centres, and I have worked at several Redwings sites over the years. “I love knowing our horse residents and what they need throughout the year and getting to know our newer ones and the things they like. Watching them grow and change is so rewarding. It’s hard work, but the warm feeling I get each day on my way home from work is worth it.” Roles currently available include Horse Care Team Members, Equine Vet Nurse Assistant, Horse Rehoming Officer, Farm Hand, Individual Giving Officer and Finance Officer.

To join the team, check out www.redwings.org.uk/work-forus

We welcome general enquiries from anyone who would like to work with us here at Redwings.

OLD VERSUS NEW WILD WEST

Firstly can you let us know what your role is at the ranch and how long you have been there? “I came to Vista Verde in 1997 following college graduation as a seasonal staff, just looking for something different to do while I figured out what to do when I grew up. “Over time my role has grown from wrangler to Dining Room Manager to Reservations Manager to Director of Hospitality and now Director of Sales and Marketing, but I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up! “As a horse crazy girl previously immersed in the show/breeding world, this job gave me the opportunity to combine a love of horses with a business that allowed for career growth. “Working at Vista Verde has been much more than a job - it’s a lifestyle and the ranch feels like home to me. I was married here at the old Homestead cabin, my children were raised at the ranch and are learning the ins-andouts of the hospitality industry, service to others, and developing a love of animals and the outdoors. I have friends all over the world who I met through the ranch, and many of my dearest friendships have been developed here.” How old is the ranch itself? “Vista Verde was homestead in 1916 during the US Homestead Act era. Originally a hay and cattle operation, the ranch owners supplemented their income over time by taking in hunters and fisherman. In the 1970’s the main business shifted gears to become a dude ranch. Over time and through various owners the ranch has gone from a rustic getaway to the luxury ranch resort it is today. “ How do you see the ranch has changed in the years that you have worked there from a property and experiences point of view? “The biggest change I’ve seen at Vista Verde and in the ranch industry is the shift from people wanting a true ranch experience to wanting more of a Western outdoors experience. We refer to the two sides of the ranch as ‘Old West’ and ‘New West’. ‘Old West’ is the campfires, cookouts, trail riding, cattle work, and the work involved in caring for a herd of 100 horses and the land that sustains them. ‘New West’ is the shift to recreational activities like mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding or in the winter months backcountry skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. In addition, the desire for luxury accommodations, fine food and wine has become more and more of a draw for those seeking a Western experience.” With the increased awareness of horse therapy worldwide is there more time now

WE TALK TO STEPHANIE WILSON, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT VISTA VERDE RESORT ABOUT HER 25 YEARS AT THE RANCH.

spent matching correct horse to rider or has this always been the case? “Sometime around the early 2000’s we started bringing in more emphasis on the relationship between the horse and rider, and were pleased to see how much the guests embraced those teachings. As our society has become more focused on personal growth and self awareness, this has allowed us to bring that message through the horsemanship teachings, and guests are recognising how much they can learn about themselves through their horse. Pairing our guests with a horse for their full stay at the ranch really helps us find the right ‘teacher’ for each guest to meet them where they are ready to be met. We will push our guests a bit to help open their eyes and help them grow, but also recognise it is a vacation and some just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and not think so deeply about their riding relationship.”

www.vistaverde.com