Have you ever wanted to use your love of horses to help others?

BGA member Mark Williams did just that. After many years working as a freelance groom, Mark trained as Riding for the Disabled group coach and now enjoys a varied career helping others.

Mark has been passionate about equitation from an early age and has a keen interest in jousting and the horse's role throughout history. He started riding lessons at his local riding school and has been hooked ever since, gaining many qualifications along the way.

How long have you been working with horses as a freelance groom?

“2023 marks the 19^th year that I have been working with horses as a freelance groom. My work has been really wide-ranging, from working at small livery yards, riding schools to working with heavy horses and at Riding for the Disabled yards.

It has taken me to some fantastic places up and down the country from Cumbria to Dartmoor.”

What sparked your decision to train for your coaching qualifications with the RDA?

“The RDA was the perfect place to expand my knowledge in horsemanship and equine assisted therapy. It really is a fantastic way to put my equine skills to good use, it’s such a worthwhile cause.

There is also coaching progression and many areas of diversification, which was a huge appeal for me. There is always something new to learn and it is really technical which completely suits my love of learning.”

What is your biggest achievement to date?

“My biggest achievement to date would be passing my Riding for the Disabled Group Coaching certificate, which I worked towards for two years. There were a lot of different modules and training sessions that had to be done plus a coaching assessment.”

How important is the way equestrians conduct themselves to you?

“Professionalism is paramount within the industry, whether it is being polite, honest, factual and professional in everyday life at work. It is also import to project professionalism across social media, where every aspect of the industry can be found and commented on by such a large audience. 

Even small things like being an advocate for wearing high visibility kit when hacking out makes a huge difference to public opinion.”

What do you do outside of the time you spend with horses?

“Outside of my time with horses, I’m a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, which has the motto ‘Venture - Adventure’ which is very me! One of my roles within the RAFAC

 is being a Duke of Edinburgh leader, where the main role is to support young people in their chosen aims and to help them achieve their award.

I’m also a Marine Mammal Medic, which involves dealing with stranded marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. It also includes rescuing and monitoring seals as well.”

Why is it important for all grooms to be BGA members?

“The biggest appeal about joining the BGA was to be part of an organisation run by horsey people for horsey people. It is really nice to be able to approach the BGA with questions about any issues and know that the they really understand, are sympathetic and ready to help.

I love all the creative tools available to members, such as the check list to become a certified BGA Freelancer. There is also a really intuitive CV creator and lastly the ‘My Learning’ section where you can undertake some free courses, is also not to be missed.”

Thanks to Mark for being one of the much needed super hero volunteers within the equestrian industry. 

Mark's story shows one of the ways that a love of horses can be used, not only to pay the bills, but to be able to help others at the same time. Contact the RDA for more information about how to get involved.

You can follow Mark’s journey on his Instagram page, Töltly Equine.

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