Equestrian Groom/Horse Rider
Hokonui Sport Horses
2023.10 - Current
- Working 6 days a week at Hokonui Sport Horses. This involves working with young unhandled horses, trimming feet, riding and exercising horses/ponies, mucking out stables, feeding out etc.
- With this job comes large responsibility, with the owner away for over a week at a time sometimes and the care of all animals including birthing of foals etc is left in my care.
- To be effective at this job I have to demonstrate extreme patience and perseverance especially when working with young horses who don't understand and are difficult to handle.
- Being observant is crucial, keeping an eye on the condition of the horses determining how much feed they need, what sort and whether they may need drenched etc but also keeping an eye out for anything that doesn't look 100% happy as this can be an indicator of pain or sickness such as colic.
- Attention to detail must be shown, keeping the stables, tie ups, feed and tack rooms tidy and clean. Being observant and acting on the ponies reactions especially when working with young ones is key, if you miss subtle signs of stress it can result in injuries as they can get to overwhelmed.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, effectively motivating and encouraging peers.
- Competing in many competitions, achieving placings.
- Adapt quickly to changing game plans and strategies, this is common when working with horses as they present you with different issue everyday so to be able to be flexible within your plan is a must.
- Follow instructions well from coaches and my employer to execute consistent and effective results.
- Promote a positive and hardworking attitude.
- Work alongside my employer and coworkers to understand and implement improved strategies.
- Apply discipline and sense of responsibility toward the care and wellbeing of all the horses.
- Training roughly 15 hours per week to aim to always be constantly improving.
- Optimized nutrition, training regimens and lifestyle choices to keep fitness at optimal levels.
- Attend all meetings, and work on time.
- Exhibited excellent teamwork and strong work ethic by promoting camaraderie.
- Managed time effectively while traveling to shows and attending classes.
- Keep animal coats clean and healthy with regular washing, grooming, and trimming
- Care for sick or injured animals by seeking out veterinary care and notifying owners
- Trained animals in behavioral compliance or other special routines or commands
- Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases
