Emilia Bishop is currently on our renowned Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme, working for, and being trained by, Judy Harvey. She recently talked to us about her apprenticeship and how it has helping to shape her future in the equine industry.
“I am eighteen years old now, but I started riding when I was three years old and discovered my love for dressage around four years ago. I have been competing competitively from Prelim to Elementary for the past three years on my eight-year-old Hanoverian named ‘Jagger’, gaining scores in excess of 73%.
I left college last year with three A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. I did contemplate going to university but decided to take a break from studying in that kind of environment. I wanted to give myself time to focus on my riding, which is what I am truly passionate about.
When I saw the AASE programme advertised through Haddon Training I just knew it was for me! The apprenticeship really appealed because I knew I would be able to ride more but at the same time gain valuable experience, receive a great qualification and further my knowledge to help me develop my own business in the future.
Haddon Training offered me a fantastic ‘live in’ opportunity to work and train with Judy Harvey in Buckingham. I was so excited but also slightly scared as this would be my first time living away from home. It was such a huge opportunity for me though, that I just couldn’t refuse! I am surrounded by a highly supportive, professional team who have made me feel incredibly welcome and I am having the best time! Haddon Training have been really supportive of me throughout my apprenticeship and I wouldn’t choose any other apprenticeship provider!
I am finding the apprenticeship so much fun. Every day I am doing what I love! I am learning how to run a yard correctly and professionally, and how to deal with different types of horses. I am lucky enough to be able to ride and be trained on other horses as well as my own, which helps me improve my riding and training concepts massively. I have also met many new people and made contacts in the industry that will be able to help me in the future.
I have already learnt many new skills that I will be able to use in the future. Not only from the horses , but being more confident in meeting and dealing with new people and also becoming more independent by looking after myself. The increased independence has given me lots more confidence in myself that I used to lack.
Due to the pandemic, we have been doing online lessons for our AASE programme work. Matt Lanni, my Trainer-Coach, has been brilliant throughout in helping and teaching us in these strange times. If I ever have a question, I know I can email Matt and I will get a helpful response. It is also really beneficial to have a Trainer-Coach who has real life experience in the equine industry.
My employer, Judy Harvey, is so supportive as well. Judy made me feel very settled when I first arrived. We have put together plans of exactly what I would like to achieve and where I would like to be in a few years’ time. Judy always explains everything so clearly and nothing is ever a problem. Her training has been fantastic and she is a great boss.
The best part of my apprenticeship so far is how much confidence I have gained and the progression in my riding, which is incredible! I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and I love my new independent lifestyle!”
Thank you Emilia for allowing us an insight into your apprenticeship – we are so pleased to have played a part in helping you to progress and enabling you to pursue a career doing what you love!
If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships or how to start your career simply contact our friendly team today.