Alexandra Stone Ford
12 Haddenham Court, Hazelhurst Road, London, SW17 0UD
alex_isabelle@live.co.uk
07415 091 918

My work experience has helped me to learn valuable lessons which can be applied to any environment e.g. organisational, time management and team working skills, which have helped me gain confidence, self-control and self-discipline. I have also been able to become competent in articulation and literacy. My experiences have taught me kindness, patience, sympathy, empathy and understanding. I am a tactfully persuasive ‘people’s person’ who enjoys learning new skills and being able to apply them, whilst developing my own ideas. I also find it useful to learn from others to increase my own potential working standard.

Work Experience

Ealing Riding School (Groom) – At this riding school I was required to exercise the horses, ensure the riding lessons were on time and lead ponies in lessons. This job was very physically demanding, so I had to work with others as a cohesive team in order to get jobs done quickly and efficiently making sure the yard was well-maintained. I started as a helper at the age of 9 and I started having weekly lessons as well as riding three other days per week which really helped  improve my confidence and riding. I loaned my first pony, Smokey, at Ealing Riding School, and as a result I learnt a lot about horse care, responsibility and commitment.

Beauty Therapy NVQ Level 2 and 3 – Here I had to work on clients doing waxing, tinting, facials, electrical treatments, individual eye lashes, epilation, ear piercing, manicures, pedicures etc. This has helped me become more confident and has developed my assertiveness and attention to detail.

Pony Magic – I worked for Pony Magic organising pony rides at events such as school fairs, opening days and children’s parties. I would help load the ponies, prepare them for the event and lead the children. I also helped look after the horses at the owner’s private yard carrying out general yard duties. I worked alone a majority of the time so I definitely learnt how to work under pressure. 
 
Stag Lodge (Instructor/Groom) - My main role at Stag Lodge is to manage the yard and teach. I take part in all yard duties and make sure all horses are cared for to a high standard. My typical day is riding in Richmond Park, teaching people on the lead rein and escorting hacks. At our second stable down the road I cover arena lessons for adults and children. During the school holidays I have a group of 6 children and am required to teach them in a group setting twice a day for four days. The rest of the time I teach them stable management, organise activities for them and help the children practice a drill ride which we do in front of the parents at the end of the week. I have learnt a huge amount working at Stag Lodge as I started as an apprentice and worked my way up to head girl. I have learned how to manage people, work within tight time frames am now a highly dependable and trustworthy member of the team.

Skills & Achievements

- I’m qualified to pierce ears (certificate to prove)
- I had a website called Hamster Rescue where I took in unwanted hamsters for re-homing and boarded hamsters for  people that were going on holiday. I asked for a donation towards the upkeep of the unwanted hamsters from the owners of the boarded hamsters. This was a very successful non-profit making venture and one which I am extremely proud of.
- I taught many people to ride from total beginners to now cantering and jumping. I have helped improve peoples  confidence and technique which is very rewarding.

Qualifications

English - C                                             Beauty Therapy NVQ Level 2 and 3
English Literature - C                               NVQ level 2 in Horse Care, Management and Riding                              
Maths - C                                               BHS Stage 2 in care and riding
BHS Stage 1 in care and riding                
BHS Ride and Road safety

  
 Interests/Hobbies

 Listening to music
 Make up, Hair and Beauty
 Socialising
 Challenging myself
 Fashion
 Movies
 Horse riding
 Babysitting
 Helping others 
 Going for walks in Richmond Park
 Being around animals
 Dog walking
 Hacking
 Teaching people how to ride