To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a light on some of our dedicated learners and the employers supporting them. Tilly is currently completing her Level 3 Senior Equine Groom apprenticeship at Anmore Dressage, where she’s building her skills in a high-performance environment. We spoke to Tilly about how her passion for horses began, what she’s enjoyed most about her apprenticeship, and her ambitions for the future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in racing?
I first fell in love with horses and riding when I was 12, which is quite late compared to some people. Through riding, I realised I wanted a stronger connection with horses on the ground, so I started volunteering at my local riding school. I absolutely loved it. Being so close to the horses made me so happy and helped to clear my head – they became my calm space.
After doing this for a few years, I realised I’d caught the horse bug. Originally, I was planning to try and join the King’s Troop in the Army, but this apprenticeship came up at just the right time as I finished college. After researching Anmore Dressage and what they stand for, I had to give it my best shot. Not only could I spend every day with the animals that bring me so much peace, but I could also build a real career and be involved in the high-level competition world I admire so much.
What have you enjoyed the most about your apprenticeship?
Being at Anmore Dressage is such an amazing opportunity for me. The people are lovely, and the team’s ethos is fantastic. Everyone on the yard has so much care and love for every single horse and knows each one down to a T.
Learning each horse’s personality and quirks has been so much fun, and training to such a high standard has been really thrilling. As a perfectionist, I can’t imagine being on any other yard.
Have you faced or overcome any challenges during your apprenticeship? If so, how did you manage them?
Throughout my apprenticeship so far, I’ve really learned to have confidence in myself and believe that I do know what I’m doing. I’ve got this, and I can handle any situation thrown at me. Self-confidence has always been a big struggle for me, but my team at Anmore have really helped me come a long way with it.
How has your experience been as an apprentice with Haddon Training?
Haddon Training have been amazing to me and so supportive with everything inside and outside of my apprenticeship. My Trainer Coach has always been happy to talk with me about any situation, and she really makes me feel like she has my back, which is a lovely feeling.
She’s always happy and proud of everything I submit, and she isn’t shy to praise me. At the same time, she’s very supportive when giving constructive criticism, which is really nice to experience and never makes me feel discouraged.
What are your goals for the future?
In the future, I’d like to become a fully qualified competition groom and hopefully groom at some of the big shows like HOYS or London International. Or, to think even bigger, become an Olympic groom and travel the world doing what I love.
Inspired by Tilly’s story? Find out more about our equine apprenticeships here.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your next step, we’re here to help! Get in touch with our team here.
