Good Employment Week
From the 20th – 24th November 2023, we celebrate Good Employment Week – an event which seeks to promote and enhance good employment particularly in the equine industry by demonstrating good practices and high-quality mentorship.
Spotlighting good employers: Ride High
Ride High are an incredible charity organisation who are based at The Ride High Equestrian Centre in Milton Keynes. Ride High transform the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with the opportunity to learn to ride and look after both horses and ponies.
Over the summer we were delighted to produce an article for the BGA (British Grooms Association) magazine on the work of Ride High. The article highlighted the amazing impact this charity has on the local community by supporting young people with mental health needs, providing access to exercise for children in deprived neighbourhoods, and offering disadvantaged children and young people the chance to engage with horses.
Haddon Training have worked closely with Ride High for several years to develop their staff, including through the provision of our apprenticeship qualifications.
The value of apprenticeships: A groom’s perspective
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador, Frankie Roberts, caught up with Loren and Maddie, who have both worked for Ride High whilst completing their apprenticeships. They shared with us their experiences, successes, and the impact Haddon Training has had on shaping their development.
Loren’s story
Since completing her equine apprenticeship, Loren now works full-time for the equestrian centre as an Instructor Coach. Loren praises the apprenticeship scheme for enabling her to progress both professionally and personally. She says,
“My self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills were massively improved during my apprenticeship, which subsequently enabled me to secure a full-time position at Ride High.”
Loren credits Ride High as having played a significant role in her development by providing a safe and stable environment, where she felt supported throughout her apprenticeship journey. As a Instructor Coach, her responsibilities currently include running sensory sessions, helping support learners and teaching in the riding school. She continues,
“The people and horses are all phenomenal, I love to see the change and impact that we have on the clients. In the future, I strive towards working further to support the organisation.”
Maddie’s story
Maddie, is a current Level 3 Equine Apprentice at Ride High, and she is nearing the end of her programme. When asked about her decision to enrol on the apprenticeship scheme, Maddie says,
“I hated school and sitting down – my apprenticeship allows me to be practical, and I enjoy this route of learning where I can plan and manage my own time. Not to mention, being paid whilst I learn is a bonus! Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’d like to work full-time in the industry and gain experience in different disciplines.”
Like Loren, Maddie commends Ride High for their supportive team and the unique work experiences the organisation provide them. She says,
“The team at Ride High are lovely and supportive, our Yard Manager Janeen especially. If I’m struggling, she will always support me with extra time for my work. During my work, I enjoy watching the clients progress with their confidence and behaviour.”
Both Loren and Maddie’s stories are great examples of the positive impact apprenticeships have on both personal and professional development, especially when combined with incredible employers such as Ride High.
To support the amazing work Ride High deliver, click here.
If you would like to find out more about our apprenticeships in equine, click here.
If you’d like to receive the BGA magazine, this is available for free to all British Grooms Association members – please contact us here to find out more about our exclusive learner discount for those wishing to become a member of the BGA!