This week I hand over to my Head Girl Vicky, just a little introduction and how she came to be working for Team CHE.
“Head Girl: it certainly didn’t start there, I’ve worked my way up! I first came to work for Claire in December 2015. When I first arrived I was pretty clueless, having spent the previous three years working in a stationery shop, I know, that’s a hell of a career move! So what made me have such a change of job?.. well horses have always been my passion, having studied an Equine Degree at Hartpury College when I left school. Needless to say at that point I had only ever ridden riding school horses and ponies, quite different to a racehorse!
I remember during those early days Claire and the rest of the team had to teach me how to literally do everything, we were only laughing this afternoon about the time when Claire had to teach me how to tack up a racehorse to go on the gallops, very different to everyday riding.
I enjoy coming to work every day, no two days are ever the same, and there’s certainly never a dull moment to be had. One of my favourite parts of the job is starting the young horses, they are so rewarding! During the spring months I walk and run miles long-reining the babies all over the countryside, this also keeps me fit for the return of the pre-trainers in the summer. There’s no better feeling than teaching a young horse its job, knowing we have given them confidence and the best possible start in life, wherever they end up going into training. You can see us teaching one of the babies in “early learning at CHE” in our videos on the homepage.
Going pointing is another one of the highlights of my job. I love seeing the horses racing, it makes all the hard work at home, at all times of year and in all weathers, so worthwhile. It doesn’t matter If they win or not, although that’s always a bonus, “winner winner chicken dinner!!”. So long as the horses come back safe and sound, ready to go another day, that’s all that matters to me.
I’m so glad for the opportunity Claire gave me when I rocked up at her yard with not much idea what I was doing. I had no idea it would lead to me becoming Head Girl, learning so much and getting to put the experience and training I had towards my dream job. Also, to discovering the world of point to point, with it’s amazing picnics and fun days out, always an opportunity for a glass of fizz, win lose or draw!”