As part of Good Employment Week, we’re celebrating Pevlings Farm Riding and Livery Centre, a Somerset-based yard that’s been helping young people develop their equestrian skills for over 40 years.
We spoke to Alison Tytheridge, owner of Pevlings Farm, about her journey in the industry, her experience with apprenticeships, and the values that have shaped her successful riding school.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your history in the industry and your business?
I have a non-horsey background, growing up on the South East London/Kent border, where I enjoyed weekly riding lessons with no plans to do more. After leaving school and working in an office, I saved up to buy my first pony. A move to a new livery yard led me to start teaching weekend riding lessons for local children, which sparked my passion for the industry and a desire to move away from London. We eventually moved to Somerset to a run-down property called Pevlings Farm. With my pony and a few others from the riding school, I began rebuilding it into both a family home and a riding school. That was 40 years ago – and today, Pevlings is a thriving yard where ordinary kids can learn to ride and enjoy horses and ponies who they might not otherwise have the chance to.
When did you first start hiring apprentices, and what motivated you to take this step?
My first apprentice was under the YTS scheme about 38 years ago, when a school leaver asked me for a job. This seemed a great way to ensure correct training was given.
What benefits have you seen in your business from having apprentices on your team?
Our apprentices enhance our team, sometimes bringing new ideas, and ensure correct training of future staff.
How has your experience been working with Haddon Training?
We’ve always had good experiences with Haddon Training, ensuring that our young people leave us with a good qualification to enable them to move forward in the equine industry.
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.
