Alarm clocks are your friend
It won’t take long to realise that your alarm clock will become your best friend and worst enemy. There is no easy method to get used to the early starts and long hours that may be required. Working in the horse industry requires a good work ethic and a can-do attitude, which you must maintain throughout the changing seasons.
At the start of your horse apprenticeship, take some time to reflect on how you want your career to progress. Be open to trying all aspects of horsemanship and equine care; accept that this will be rewarding but demanding work. Our top coaches see that those individuals who take a determined, positive approach are the most likely to thrive and that asking for help is all part of the learning journey.
You have a lot of work to do both directly for your employer and to complete your chosen horse apprenticeship. You are expected to take time out and log into the virtual learning environment that most training companies offer, follow and complete the structured modules of your chosen horse apprenticeship, and complete off-the-job training. This requires discipline and a plan, so try and find an approach that you can maintain, if you start going off-track we recommend you immediately ask for help from your coach.
As part of your horse apprenticeship, you will be working for an employer plus taking time out to complete various formal modules, many of which are recorded in an online virtual learning environment (VLE). The modules are part of the commitment to actually gaining your apprenticeship qualification. Remember that the culmination of your apprenticeship training will come in the form of a practical and verbal assessment known as the End Point Assessment. You will find out the name of your assessor before the actual evaluation, and you will be supported throughout your apprenticeship training to prepare for this final test of your competence, practical skills and knowledge of your chosen horse apprenticeship role.
Coach Chloe’s top tips for coping with first few months:
- Routine – good solid and stick to it – if you have allocated horses, you should treat them as your own. The horses in your care will rely on you for their well-being and safety, so you must always accept responsibility for your actions.
- Always ensure you agree with your employer about your working hours. You must ensure you take your time off and holidays. It is vital to look after yourself, or you may head towards burnout.
- You should stand up for yourself if asked to work extra hours and politely decline if you do not wish to undertake additional work. The employer ultimately will have a lot more respect for you when you own your schedule and take your proper rest time.
- Remember that the career you have opted for is a massively rewarding one. Be the first to correct anyone who insinuates that a horse apprenticeship is “JUST patting ponies”. It is a demanding job, and there is much to learn.
- Pace yourself throughout the year. Just like any academic study course, you may find yourself slipping into a “dip” where your motivation is stalling. Recognise this situation, and do not ignore warning signs if you lose confidence. Our professional coaches recommend asking for help immediately; they are ready and willing to step in and support you.
This mini-guide has benefited from contributions from Coaches Alice and Chloe, who are proud members of the Sheldrake Training Team.
Their bios can be found here.