Patrick Ryen Employment Solutions assist people in finding work in the equine field. Patrick Ryen has taken the time to answer some questions about his business.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I work probably 16/17 hours most days during the week. This is due mainly to the international business we conduct. We now have employees coming from virtually every section of the globe to assist with skill shortages in Australian racing. At this point they are made up of approx 90% track work riders and approx 10% managerial.

My week now is probably 85/90% equine related.

What is it exactly that you do?
There is a massive hole in the Australian track work riding ranks. And we fill the void with the most elite candidates we can attract from abroad. We expect any candidate that wants to be employed into a stable we represent, to register as a client with our business.

Why you ask? Because those who do, we find deliver when given an employment opportunity. We have a simple 4 step guide to registering with us. This is non negotiable and if you can’t register for whatever reason (internet access, haven’t got access to a résumé or can’t afford our admin fee) then please let us know. We can work through everything with you. The most important thing is that we have all of your credentials and information in accordance with our processes. Our employers insist on it.

We provide employees to the industry elite. Bart Cummings, Clarry Conners and John Sadler. We represent stables and farms right throughout Australia. In every state and territory. If you are travelling and you are seeking regional work. We assist 90 % of our seekers from abroad with their 417 visa rural farm work extension due to the locations we cover.

We give clients representation and we have raised the bar. We do not tolerate our staff being treated unlawfully or paid below the award.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
We are growing at an enormous rate for a few simple reasons.

• Our service is easy to use. Trainers / Studs simply call or email us when they require staff and describe the “spirit” of the role the want filled.
• We only charge employers for what we do. There are no ongoing fees. We charge a fair price for the work we undertake.
• We are hands on and we work evenly with both the employee and the employer. We see ourselves as a matchmaker of sorts not only marrying the skill sets, but the personalities as well. Tha’ts what creates longevity. And good teams. An understanding of the other party’s strength and assisting each other to cope with any improvements that may be deemed necessary.
• We explain to the job seeker precisely what is exported of them. I have noticed a pattern of really poor applications and responses to adds by some younger members of the community. Things like asking for info with no name or even a vague amount or courtesy. However we quickly iron that out.

What our service does is assist trainers to find the most suitable staff for positions available within their organisations. We also provide a lifetime service to job seekers in the racing industry.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I employ now a GM in Europe Zoe Thomas. Also two local staff. Tracey Foster and also Melissa Gillis. A person can most certainly be involved in equine HR. And make a living. Anyone wishing career advice is welcome to email me.

Favourite horse memory?
My first memory of horses was when I was spending time in the Norwegian country side with my grandparents and parents. I remember the smell. And their energy.

Future goals?
We assist and guide clients one on one. We ensure they are always advocated for. We ensure that they are actually fully aware of industry certification and training available to assist their career advancement. We negotiate conditions and opportunities for them. All in all we work tirelessly to ensure that they achieve their goals. The rest follows!

Our service is about setting a standard. A standard of excellence within racing and raising the bar. We want our employment seekers to shine. And we ensure you do. In fact we insist on it!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I love my job. It’s the best job in the world. I am able to assist people everyday and change people’s lives. We make things happen for people who couldn’t obtain those opportunities themselves.

“The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on; it is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible the change is for the better.” – Author unknown.