Kirsty Balman

Experience

• 

  TB Equestrian

  Apr 2004 - Apr 2006

  Competition Groom

  I started working at TB Equestrian as a trainee groom. This role quickly developed, leaving me as sole groom being left to handle day to day activities, to head groom in charge of a team. As part of this team or on my own I travelled with the owner to competitions or dealt with the yard while they were away. I took charge of all the yard activities, feeding, grooming, stable duties and moving horses in and out. With a strict time schedule horses had to be cleaned, tacked up and ready to an extremely high standard. With the owner away I also took on training such as lunging. Horses came in for many reasons, some to start out their riding careers and others due to behavioural issues.During my time there as head groom I handled a few extreme situations. From getting snowed in solo with 10 horses, to a fire in the barn and a scald to face and chest of a co-worker needing me to take them to casualty. Being left alone on a regular occurrence it also meant me dealing with owners of horses, giving out updates and explaining future plans. Show less

• 

  Shires to Shetlands

  Apr 2006 - now

  Self Employed

  For 10years I ran my own business mainly dealing with horses. As a self employed groom I have turned my hand to most aspects of the horsey world. From Eventing to Showing and Breeding yards. I have worked with all types of horses from newborns to retired horses. It has also meant long days working in all weathers, often in sole charge. I believe this has made me into a good worker, knowing you have to get up because the animals need you keeps me going in what's sometimes feels like an impossible situation. My work has meant I have dealt with people from all walks of life and have therefore learnt many strategies to deal with this. I have dealt with conflict and learnt the most important thing is to stay calm and speak clearly. I have also had to deal with Euthanasia both at the owners side and stepping in when they felt incapable to be there at the end. I have learnt that regardless of my thoughts and feelings the animal must come first and that the owners wishes are at the highest importance. My ability to stay strong for others despite upsetting situations I feel is a great asset. It's during my work I have been drawn to an understanding in behaviour. With many methods and conflicting advice I turned to my own horse and went back to basics, input in, output out. Through this I went onto look into behaviour and training methods, learning about how both can effect physical and psychological responses. It has also drawn to my attention how confusing a lot of the information is out there. I would love to learn more and have the qualifications to back up what I'm saying. Therefore hopefully adding to my ability to offer advice and get the best outcomes for the animals in my care. During my time self employed I have also done a lot of holiday care and house sitting. This has involved a wide range of animals from dogs and cats to chickens and sheep. Offering myself a broader hands on with a variety of species. Show less

• 

  JUST CHAPS LIMITED

  Aug 2008 - Aug 2009

  Office Assistant

  This position originally started as part of my self employed work. Looking after the animals while the owner was away. However it quickly grew into looking after orders coming in via phone calls and the online shop as well. Taking, sorting, packaging and posting orders became part of my daily tasks. This then evolved further with me joining the owner at HOYS (Horse Of the Year Show) and Olympia. Both international horse shows, I was on the stand offering advice, fitting and selling the products. Show less

• 

  Kit Hill Castle Boarding Kennels

  Jun 2016 - now

  Kennel Assistant

  Taking on the kennel work is hopefully going to see me through my studies. Their influx of work happening during school holiday times when I have more time on my hands. With school holidays shorter then ours it will also mean I should have time to fit in more experience in practice as well. My role includes all aspects of working in the kennels. Both hands on with the cats and dogs and also with the clients on the phone and in person. With the animals it involves walking, playing with, feeding, grooming, bathing and cleaning kennels. I have had to learn the computer system and also how to take payments to work with the owners. Show less

• 

  Westmoor Veterinary Hospital

  Sept 2016 - now

  Student Veterinary Nurse at Westmoor Veterinary Hospital.