Changing your career to support your mental health

It's World Mental Health Day, the perfect reminder to talk about our struggles.

After being signed off from work for struggling with mental health, BGA member Cheryl Richards realised that she needed to spend more time with horses and decided to change her career to improve her wellbeing.

Cheryl set up a freelance business that provided the serotonin boost she needed, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Are you dreaming of a career as a freelance groom?

How did you start working with horses?

“Horses have always been my hobby. I never competed, apart from the little gymkhanas as a child, as I just love hacking and enjoying the countryside.

But after almost suffering another mental breakdown, I realised that my happy place was always being around horses. I started helping friends at the yard where I keep my horse and then thought, ‘I wonder if I could make a little business from this?’ My aim was to make enough money to help keep my beautiful mare and stay doing what I love.

I now have regular clients as well as providing holiday care to owners while they are away. I offer turning out and bringing in horses, mucking out, feeding, poo picking paddocks, attending for vet/farrier appointments on behalf of owners plus exercising if required.”

What’s the best part of the job?

“All of it! I don’t mind if I’m leading them, mucking out stables or poo picking, all in torrential rain and wind. Simply being in an environment I love, is the best! I also enjoy meeting new owners and learning new things.”

What do you think makes your business unique?

“I don’t ever claim to know everything about horses, I believe that the owners know their horses the best and just follow any instructions they give me. I am very calm; I love and treat every horse like I would do my own.

I leave the stable, yard etc exactly how I would leave my own and whenever I have finished attending to the horse, I send the client a picture to show that the horse is all good and even that the gate is closed as it should be. Communication and trust as so important.”

What do you do to ensure that you are continuing to offer the best service you can?

“I try to enrol in any new courses that I feel would benefit me in my role to do my job to the best of my ability. I am currently working through a basic first aid course for horses to increase my knowledge and as reassurance for my clients that their beloved horse is in good hands.

I always try to be as professional as is possible, along with being approachable and likeable. I like to think that my clients can ask me anything and be relaxed in my company."

What made you join the BGA?

"When I started my business I knew I had to join the British Grooms Association,  how amazing that there is an association for all the people out there doing the same thing as me! I wanted to join to become a part of a wonderful community and to give strength to the association working hard on important matters for us. 

I was also able purchase my insurance with the BGA, and complete some courses like the Bedmax certification in bedding management, the GroomClean course and Medi-K – certificate in first aid essentials."

"Having had no formal training I find the library of guidance available on the BGA website allows me to answer any question that I might have, and the team are there to chat with, if needed.  Information is constantly updated and, in my short time in business, the knowledge I have learnt from the BGA has already allowed me to update and change my practices.

I will continue to use and work with the BGA to assist me in providing the highest quality service possible.”

We would like to thank Cheryl for her honest, up front words about her mental health and how important it is to choose a career that supports your health.

To find out more about Grooms Minds click here.

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