Portia

Bachelor of Education (Primary), Aus.

As volunteer groom I skip stables, clean the yard/paddocks/arenas, turn in/out horses, groom, tack up/untack, lead horses during lessons. As a teacher I identify and meet student needs, keep careful records and communicate with stakeholders.

I rode and owned horses as a young teenager, partaking in Pony Club and trail riding before taking a break. I returned to riding as an adult in 2013 and have enjoyed regular private lessons for the last 4 years with Ridge View Equestrian in Carwoola, AUS. I accompanied my instructor to shows, helping with transport, tacking up, grooming. In 2019 I decided to move to the UK to explore working with horses and animals more closely. I have recently been volunteering as a groom full time at Ride High Equestrian Centre in Milton Keynes and have loved the busy riding school environment. It complements my love of both horses and teaching and I have decided I would like to move into this area more permanently. Ideally I wish to work towards Complete Horsemanship qualifications to work eventually as both groom and coach.

As a teacher I love to help learners and can structure and support growth. I would like to transfer this knowledge to riding. In my current volunteer role I have loved helping the children in Pony Camp and supporting riders during led lessons.

As an older professional I am a clear and friendly communicator. I can follow instruction and use my own initiative. I like to be organised and hold myself to high standards.

Both Education and Stablehand references available.

I have spent most of my time hacking or working in the arena. I walk, trot and canter and do basic groundwork. My goal returning as an adult is to communicate with horses in a clear and discreet manner by improving my seat and aids. I can become nervous on green horses in an arena setting and thus would prefer a position where, if horses need exercising, they are well trained or can be worked from the ground. Ideally I would like to continue my own riding education and take BHS assessments.