It’s Good Employment Week! We’re celebrating employers who champion training, development, and positive workplace culture. This week, we spoke to Jan Tupper, owner of Arniss Equestrian in the New Forest, about her journey, her team, and the role apprenticeships play in supporting a thriving equestrian centre.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your history in the industry and your business?
After many years of teaching in the industry and managing various livery yards and riding schools, I was fortunate to start up my first business, Arniss Equestrian Ltd, in the New Forest, Hampshire, in April 2011. Horses, coaching, and sharing the special memories, experiences, and bonds a horse can bring has been a passion of mine for many years. From first introductions, working with riding school clients, livery owners, coaches, specialists within the industry, and a dedicated hard-working team, it is always a pleasure.
The Centre had previously been, and we continued to be, a BHS Approved Riding School and Livery Yard. Today, as well as a BHS Approved Centre, we are a BHS Changing Lives Through Horses Approved Centre and hold a 5-star licence rating. We offer a wide variety of ridden activities, both arena-based and riding out on the National Park, horse and pony care training through stable mornings and Changing Lives Through Horses, plus training opportunities through apprenticeships and BHS Stage preparation.
When did you first start hiring apprentices, and what motivated you to take this step?
During 2011 we expanded the riding school business by opening our doors to younger riders. We increased the Arniss Team and in November 2011 embarked on a very successful training plan with training provider Haddon Training. At this time we were looking to increase the skill sets of our employees, and utilised the Level 2 & 3 Equine Groom diplomas, plus Level 2 Customer Service diplomas as both progressive and refresher training. This model worked well, with employees being on a qualification pathway whilst working in the industry, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed as the business made new offerings to our clients. This likewise helped support the business in many ways and developed staff skills such as communication and team leading.
What benefits have you seen in your business from having apprentices on your team?
At this time in 2025 we currently have four members of our team training with Haddon Training. Three of these are working towards their Level 2 Equine Groom, with the fourth being on a Team Leading qualification. We have found training sessions to be engaging and motivating both with their Haddon coach and in our ‘in-house’ coached training sessions. Arniss looks forward to congratulating these members of staff on successful completion, and to supporting and encouraging them to take their next steps in their training and career development.
Find out more about are equine apprenticeships and qualifications here.
Are you a business that is looking to hire an apprentice? Please get in touch with us here.
