Are you thinking about going Freelance?

Have you fancied giving freelancing a try? 

BGA member Ceri Smith is a successful freelance groom and rider, who turned a summer of giving freelancing a go into a full-time career.

Ceri is based in Powys, but also covers Shropshire and Cheshire too. She offers the full package of freelance services and is known for very much putting the horse before the sport. This has led to her now taking in young or complicated horses to her private yard for training and she is loving every minute of it.

How did you your love for horses start?

“I’ve always loved animals but specifically horses. I’m not from a horsey background so I’m not sure where the love came from. At the age of 3 I rode a family friends racehorse who was back from training for the summer. I was only lead around for about 5 minutes in walk but that was enough for me to catch the bug.”

How long have you been working with horses?

“At 16 I started working at riding stables, only for a few months before being offered a job at Garth Fach Stud. I worked with youngsters, breakers, point to pointers, hunters and the daughter's pony club ponies/eventers. I learned so much working and being trained by Penny and Russel for 3 years during my period in college.”

What is your favourite part of the job?

“I love working for myself, and I love being paid to do my favourite thing. To me the best part though is when you see positive progress with the horses, no matter how big or small, progress is progress! Seeing a tricky, complicated, misunderstood horse enjoy their work is a feeling unmatched.”

What sparked your decision to start freelancing?

"I took time off from horses after a bad accident. During this time I worked as a waitress, but after 18 months I was going mad. I quit my job and a friend told me to try freelancing. I decided to try it for the summer, and never stopped! I am primarily a rider; training and competing horses, freelance mostly but also now am taking in horses at home to produce. I also have a few professional yards I do weekly and I almost always have holiday covers to do. I also clip and competition groom too."

What do you offer that is unique compared to others?

"I don’t know if I offer anything unique. But I really do love the animal first and the sport second. So many of my clients over the years have mentioned to me that they can see I adore horses for what they are. It’s refreshing to know people can see that. I care for each individual horse for exactly who they are."

What motivated you join the BGA?

"I initially joined the BGA for insurance and support with starting a business. I really like what the BGA does for the industry and supporting grooms. I’ve stayed as a BGA member because I truly believe in their cause - the BGA fight the fight for British grooms, also providing so much advice and support for all aspects of the job, whether self-employed or not."

Ceri puts a lot of work into presenting a high level of professionalism which has absolutly paid off. Head on over to Instagram and follow CeriSmithEQ for a little inspiration.

Photo Credits: Martha Lily Photography.

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