Shireen Timmis from Project Equine was kind enough to answer some questions about her role as an Equine Behaviourist.
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Pretty much my entire life revolves around horses or running (much to my poor boyfriend’s dismay!) Although winter is supposed to be quiet as most people turn their horses away, I am very busy with paperwork and poo picking!
What is it exactly that you do?
My fancy scientific job title is Equine Ethologist. That’s someone who studies the science of equine behaviour. So in short I am an equine behavioural consultant.
I offer my clients clear and individual advice on working with issues and I work with all issues and all types of horses: from loading issues, to helping severely damaged horses recover. I offer a very individual service as I believe that each horse-human partnership is different.
I will also be a fully qualified IHRA (Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate) by the end of the year and am currently in the process of becoming an independently registered equine nutritionist.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
It is, and if working with horses is something that you really want to do, then I’d definitely advise you do it. However, it is a lot of hard work and it will take many years to build up your business to a point where it is possible to live solely off the income you make, but it is extremely rewarding.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
For me, I have full honours in two Equine Science based degrees. However, the best thing for me was gaining industry experience and industry related qualifications.
I am obsessed with learning and knowledge so as well as reading everything I could possibly get my hands on, I’ve worked with some of the top people in their sector of the equine industry and I am working towards getting every relevant qualification I can. The best things for me are the degrees that I hold as I have a scientific background which enhances the work I do.
Favourite horse memory?
That’s a difficult one as I have so many! Over the summer I worked with a lovely racehorse who had not had the best of starts, and he was terrified of everything and everyone. He used to huddle in the back of his box and shiver if anyone came near him and he hated his ears being touched.
I worked with him for about three weeks and by the end of it I could tack him up and play with his ears. He even started to put his head over the door and whicker every time he saw me which was very rewarding!
Future goals?
Business wise I’d really like my company to become truly international as although we already do a lot of work in this country and Ireland I’d like to branch out further into Europe and America. I’d also like to have a series of yards throughout the UK so we can offer an immediate service to anyone who requires it.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
Best thing about being an Equine Behaviourist is that the difference we make is very obvious. You can see the changes happening, sometimes it happens very slowly, but eventually you reach the end goal and it’s so rewarding to see a partnership between horse and rider blossom at the end of it.
“All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.” – Author Unknown
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