New horizons

Covid has put huge pressure on the job market, but some horse owners have diversified and reaped the benefits of different roles, writes Stephanie Bateman

- Stephanie Bateman

AFTER seven years working as a PA for a consultancy firm, Claire Stevenson was made redundant in April last year, her security and income dashed. But not one to sit and dwell on the negatives, Claire brushed herself offand trotted straight to the yard where she keeps her horse to ask for a part-time job.

“I keep my horse at Dynamo Stud and they very kindly gave me two days a week, organising the arena hire, running the Facebook page and helping with their new holiday-let business,” explains Claire, who was also offered one day a week on a freelance basis with her previous employer. “I never imagined being self-employed because I found the idea frightening, but I’m really enjoying the diversity.”

Previously, Claire spent five days a week sitting at a desk, whereas now she spends two days at home on her PC “getting all my paperwork done” and two days on the yard.

“Physically it’s been fantastic,” says Claire. “With the arena hire, every few weeks we completely remove all the jumps to harrow the arena, and it’s a great workout. I wear a watch which tells me when I need to move, so I go and sweep the feed room or muck out a stable. It’s nice being out in the fresh air, even when the weather’s not nice.”

The change in job role has also had a positive impact on Claire’s health.

“I used to have back and neck problems and having a more active role has definitely alleviated them,” she explains. “Being made redundant was a hard thing to go through, and it is quite an emotional rollercoaster, so being busy has been a big help.”

Claire loves her new work routine, so much so that she has no plans to find another full-time job.