Many young riders dream of riding at the highest levels in equine sports. So many find that cutting through the hundreds, if not thousands, of hopeful equine stars is just too hard. Suppose you are not fortunate enough to be born into a riding family (most ambitious horse riders are NOT), then how do you forge your way in such an elite sporting world? Well, you can do it with hard work and the support of an equine apprenticeship at Sheldrake Training. You need to put a lot of hard work in and hope for a bit of luck as well.
Are you like Caitlin? Discover how she achieved her big break in top event riding and what the future now holds for her.
How I went from Pony Rider to Champion Horse Rider
Caitlin Weir’s Journey so far.
Caitlin started riding ponies at a riding school as a child aged 9; she had lessons every weekend.
Caitlin then loaned a pony at the riding school, but soon outgrew the pony and was lucky enough to buy one of the horses at the same riding school. This was a giant leap as the horse, Jet, was very green and a considerable step up from ponies.
At first, Jet was used in the riding school, but during Covid, Caitlin decided to move Jet to a livery yard where, due to her school commitments, he was on full livery.
Whilst at school, Caitlin decided she wanted to work with horses, but she tried College first, doing A Levels, but soon realised that was not for her. So, she saw an apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training advertised for a Level 2 Equine Groom, and she applied, winning a place at a livery and riding school.
This was a real learning curve, and Caitlin had to work at industry speed, train, get fit, and learn skills such as teamwork, responsibility, communication, and all the horse care skills and knowledge, all while working full-time and owning and riding Jet after work. Caitlin’s coach, Kate, saw her every month and they worked together to complete the portfolio required.
After a year Caitlin was ready to take her End Point Assessment and she achieved a Distinction which was a fantastic achievement and a worthy end to a hard worked year!
Caitlin is now working towards her L3 Senior Equine Groom with Pip Blain at her dressage yard where she also has Jet. Caitlin is in charge of the day-to-day duties on the yard and has started successfully competing Jet at dressage under the watchful eye of Pip. Sheldrake Training and its coach, Kate, continue to visit each month and work together with Caitlin to achieve her Level 3 knowledge and skills.
Recently, Caitlin’s employer, Pip, was injured, so Caitlin gained an incredible opportunity to compete on Pip’s top horse. This is the breakthrough, almost an unimaginable dream chance,, that anyone who wants to be an elite athlete in the equine world dreams of happening. It happened to Caitlin!
Caitlin says,
Being on an apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training has enabled me to have the amazing opportunities that I have now. Not only have I developed my horse skills and knowledge, but I have also learnt to develop the skills and behaviours required in the workplace and within a business. I feel I am being prepared for life as well as the equine world.
We are very proud of Caitlin and look forward to watching her career progress.