Groom: Nicole Highfield (22 years old)
Work: Yard/Office Manager, Sue Carson Saddles in Derbyshire
Endorser: Sue Carson, a List 2 Dressage Judge, FEI Horse Trials Judge and competes internationally at Prix St George Dressage.
“I decided to start with the Foundation Level and work through all four stages because if I have to learn something I would rather do it from the beginning to end.
I actually finished the Foundation Level quickly and now I’m saving up to take the Intermediate Level as soon as possible. I’m looking forward to that because I can see from the details there are parts that will be new which I will enjoy working through. It is great ticking something on the list and moving on to the next task. The ESCV is proof of what I can do. It’s confirmation you can really do the job.
Other grooms are talking about the ESCV and I think it’s going to get bigger - there will be an expectation for people to have it. The ESCV will sort out the people who just like this job and those who really want to do it, and know how to do it properly.
The structure and stages of the ESCV are well thought out - it’s like building a wall, you start off at the bottom and gradually work up. Doing the Foundation Level was great, completing it was a boost for my confidence because you know you can do something on your own. The Intermediate Level will be quite difficult but another challenge I’m going to enjoy.
The Foundation Level ESCV also gave me a bonus. One question said ‘Can you ride a quiet horse?’ and as Sue’s are 16 hands and very precious, she borrowed a pony called Stanley for me. Now I’ve got my confidence on him and we’ll be looking for something a bit bigger when I progress until I can ride Sue’s horses.”
