Our coaches often tell us just how hard working in the equine industry can be. However, they all agreed that working in this particular industry was the best decision of their lives, and they have not looked back.
While working in various yards and establishments, our coaches have experienced how important it is for apprentices to receive the proper guidance and support at the beginning of their careers.
We have spoken to a few of our top equine coaches with over 30 years of experience, gathered their top tips, and created a series of mini-guides on particular topics they have seen apprentices struggle with. These mini-guides will be added in the future, and if you wish to see a topic we have not covered, please email us to request it.
Sheldrake Training Mini-Guides
Series One: The Horse Apprentice
- How to Succeed in the First Few Weeks as an Apprentice
- How to Get Into the Rhythm of Work and Learning as an Apprentice
- What Are the Most Difficult Parts of a Horse Apprenticeship?
- How to Maintain Horse Riding and Yard Work Motivation in Winter
- What is an End Point Assessment (EPA), and How Do You Prepare for It?
- What Should an Apprentice Do When Things Go Wrong?
Understanding what is expected of you when settling into a new apprenticeship role is important.
The Sheldrake Training team will ensure you have a contract, and you should take time to understand the agreement’s details. As an apprentice, you’ll have the right to the same conditions as those working in a similar role at a similar level, including statutory holiday allowance, sick pay, and protection from discrimination.
Asking and exploring what your new employer is trying to achieve with their equine business and what they see as the areas you can help with is valuable for creating a productive working relationship. This may be the first time you have had to take responsibility for someone else’s animals, and building trust on every level should be at the top of your priorities.
Many questions are raised about how to find happiness, satisfaction and joy in working in an equine environment and listed below is one of our favourites:
Will I make friends as a horse apprentice?
The simple answer is an absolute YES.
Like many things in life, you will get what you put in. So try to extend yourself and be supportive, kind, and friendly with everyone in your working environment. On most yards, everyone takes breaks and eats together. You will surely find like-minded people with whom you will naturally want to socialise.
It’s a great time to learn more about everyone and to let people get to know you. However, not everyone has different perspectives on work-life balance, and you may wish to separate your work and personal life. Respecting everyone’s preferences for the relative level of interaction in or out of work will ensure you find balance.
You spend a lot of time with your colleagues; our coaches tell us that many of their best friends are from the equine industry. The friends you make on your apprenticeship will understand your job and the difficulties you may face.
You will laugh, cry, and support each other through everything.
On your days off, invite work colleagues to go out for a drink and avoid relaxing alone in your accommodation. Time spent with friends will ensure that your days off feel valuable and that you are recharged to return to work.
Final top tips from Coach Alice for your horse apprenticeship success
- Do not cut corners; follow the methods shown to you, even if they sometimes feel over the top.
- Enjoy every moment and relish in your luck of being able to ride top-quality horses.
- Be ready and willing to help and guide others. When a new member of the team arrives for their first few days in your yard, be the first to offer help.
Coaches Alice and Chloe, proud members of the Sheldrake Training Team, contributed to this blog article.
Coach bios are shown below:
Coach Chloe
Chloe is a freelance coach and member of the Sheldrake Training Team. She has been riding since age six, owns horses, and competes in showing and eventing.
Chloe holds a National Diploma in Equine Management and a BSc in Equine Management, BHS stage 4 and is a qualified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.
Her career highlight is her role as a technical Instructor, where she is currently responsible for caring for and managing 64 horses, supporting students in the yard, and teaching both in the classroom and the school.
Coach Alice
Alice is a freelance coach and member of the Sheldrake Training Team. At age ten, she received a riding lesson as a birthday present and has been hooked ever since.
Alice holds NVQS in Equine Care, Breeding, and Equine Management and Coaching.
Her career highlight is holding the role of Chief Instructor at a Riding Centre, offering various outdoor activities to people with disabilities.