As someone whose great hobby is horses, Hannah Fielding could hardly find herself in a better situation. Having started four ‘A' levels at college, she soon realised that an outdoor life was more her thing and decided to switch to a Apprenticeship in Horse Care.

How did you find out about Apprenticeships?

My friend Carrie-Ann is doing one through Plumpton College and it seemed right for me too.

Why did you choose to work at McGrath Equine?

Since I was 15 I had worked there at weekends and holidays so the owner, Sally-Ann McGrath, offered me a full-time job. She knew me and I knew her so it was ideal. The yard offered me lots of opportunities to try my hand at various skills.

What do you do at work?

It's a competition yard with 14 horses there. As Competition Groom I'm responsible for the day to day care and welfare of the horses as individuals, under the supervision of Sally-Ann and alongside Carrie-Ann.
How about your training?

I go to Plumpton College once a week to study aspects of Horse Care like feeding, health and anatomy: there I've also passed First Aid, Riding Road Safety and British Horse Society Stage One. I finish NVQ Level 2 in October and will then start Level 3.

Why is an Apprenticeship right for you?

It's perfect - horses are my hobby - and I love the combination of work and study, plus the chance to improve my riding and earn some money! My aim is to become a mounted police officer, so this is great training. My friends were a bit shocked when I left college but they know I'm a horsey person and this was an obvious choice for me.