Even whilst I was at grammar school, I used to give riding lessons on the side. I enjoy working with children, so after my A-levels I enrolled at the University of Education. Becoming a teacher seemed like a good option to me. After six months, however, it became clear to me that, whilst children are great, I missed the animals.
My family aren't really into horses, but I've always been absolutely mad about these big, calm creatures. Whenever there was a chance for children to go horse-riding, my parents would immediately roll their eyes. They knew they'd have to wait until I'd got off the horse again. Even on our motorhome holidays, horse-riding was always on the agenda.
After dropping out of my teacher training college, I wanted to pursue my passion and started looking for apprenticeship places. I had taster sessions at places where show jumping and dressage were the main focus. However, this discipline didn't suit me or my goals.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to make a living as a horse expert if you don't have your own farm.
Then I came across an advert posted online by my current boss. After a few years without any apprentices, she was once again looking for a trainee equine specialist at the farm where I'd learnt to ride myself. I rang her straight away, was invited for a taster session, and got the job.
I love everything about my job; there isn't a single moment when I have to force myself to do anything. I get to help train riding horses, give riding lessons and look after the animals.
Unfortunately, it's difficult to make a living as a horse specialist if you don't have your own farm. That's why I'm thinking about how I could combine my training in other ways. Veterinary medicine, therapeutic riding or further training in hoof care: there are many ways in which I can continue to work with horses in the future.
