Niamh’s Story

This is Niamh.

Niamh works at Calvert Stables looking after the horses, stables, visitors and volunteers. She started riding as a child and as soon as she was old enough began volunteering at Calvert Stables. As a young adult, Niamh began working at the Stables and has become an indispensable member of the team. She now owns her own pony, has completed a degree in equine science and is working towards all sorts of BHS and RDA qualifications to better support young aspiring horse-lovers of all abilities to access the healing power of ponies.

In between feeding, grooming, teaching and mucking out, we asked Niamh about why she loves working with the Stables team and the reasons she got involved.

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What do you love most about working here?

The horses. Definitely the horses. I think we all love the horses because they’re just fab.

Do you have a favourite?

I do, but I’m not really allowed to say.

Okay.

It is Billy. He was the first horse that I ever rode, and that I ever groomed, and that I ever did anything with.

Okay. What inspired you to start volunteering and then working here?

I started riding here when I was seven, and then obviously seeing what a difference it made to me, so helping other people be able to do that as well, it’s just really nice.

Can you describe a favourite or a few favourite moments?

I feel like every day there’s a new favourite moment. They’re just so funny.

There’s lots of favorites from when I was a kid of riding, and I did pony club and everything like that, but I think

I just love it.

Yeah.

There’s always a new thing that makes me giggle. They’re just so funny.

Is there a ride or a volunteer or a horse who’s particularly inspired you, and why?

I think all of our horses inspire us for different reasons. I’ve never met a better group of horses.

It’s just such a nice place to be. And they all… They’re so patient. They’re so patient and so funny, and they’ve all just got their own personalities.

So I think they’re all pretty inspiring. And obviously, our volunteers are all amazing.

We wouldn’t be able to do anything that we do without our volunteers.

So I think we’re very lucky to have the team that we’ve got-

… horses and volunteers.

Do you think working with Calvert Stables has changed you personally or professionally?

Massively. Like massively.

I’ve recently finished my degree in equine science. I’m going on to do more qualifications in the equine industry, and I wouldn’t do any of that without starting here when I was tiny.

Obviously, it’s changed me professionally.

I’ve got a job out of being here for so long.

I don’t think I would even be into horses if it wasn’t for here.

And now I’ve got my own and he’s just the best thing in my entire life.

Aw.

So I think definitely, and all the other staff have helped me get all my qualifications and everything like that, and yeah.

I’d probably be doing some really boring job with our horses if it wasn’t for here.

What would you say to anyone thinking about working or volunteering here?

What would I say to anyone thinking about working or volunteering here?

I would say come see us. Come see our horses.

I think once you’re here, once you’ve been here and you’ve met all these guys, I don’t think you’ll want to leave. I think you’ll want to be here, because they’re just ace-

… and we’re very lucky to get to work with them every day.

Can you describe Calvert Stables in five words or less?

Best yard ever.

Can you complete the statements below? Calvert is…

Safe. A safe place.

The best thing about Calvert is…

The horses.

And is there one word that sums up Calvert for you?

Home. Home.

Find out more about Calvert Stables