Ellena

I have completed my NVQ Level 2 and 3 Horse management as an apprentice in the last 5 years. I also have my Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management from CAW, which included a number of subjects, if there were any other animals involved in my job.

General duties: mucking out, haying, feeding, turnout/bringing in, keeping the yard/tackroom organised/clean, treating illness'/wounds, grooming, stock upkeep, exercising (riding, lunging, long reining), livery management, deal w/ vet/farrier/physio

I have work experience with a international show jumper (Mark Armstrong) expanding over the last few years, which improved my efficiency in a lot of skills, over a short period of time. As well as working at his yard, I also have groomed for him at international shows such as CES Valencia and MET Tour, which provided me with learning how to grow my skills as a groom and as a person. I have also worked for a young eventer, which helped me improve my time management skills in attending ODE, as well as managing a yard full of Eventing ponies, alone. I currently have experience working in a showjumping/livery yard, being one of two members of staff looking after a very high number of horses, dealing with home yard duties as well as grooming for the shows. In this I have established a good rapport with my coworker and members of livery to make sure the horses are looked after to a high quality and everyone's needs are being met.

Have experience leading a team on a high standard livery/showjumping yard, including beginners and people of experience. Very organised and keeping up to a high standard, especially in regards to being a show groom and having to deal with DIY/Part/Full liveries at a busy yard. Quick at mucking out and keeping the yard swept and tidy at all times. Have worked once with foals and young horses - breaking in and bringing on with work.

I have ridden a number of horses, including schoolmasters, children's ponies, young horses and dealt with green horses on the ground). I have the ability to flatwork, jump, lunge and long-rein horses, as well as having experience in le-trek. I have started a couple of horses in my time working with horses, but I do try and further my knowledge with this where I can. I am always eager to learn new things and boost my skills in ridden work, after having a bad riding accident a few years ago.

As stated previously, I have worked in a number of competition yards, professional and amateur. I am currently a competition groom for a showjumper, and work in a competition yard that has showjumpers and dressage riders included. When I was younger I competed in a few unaffiliated dressage/showjumping shows locally but that was quite a while ago!