Work–horse balance
The farm manager
How I make it work: a short commute and a super-supportive team, both in the workplace and at home
Isabelle Butterworth, a farm manager from Stratford-upon-Avon, is rebuilding her riding confidence and fitness after an accident last year left her with spinal fractures.
My job…
I work as a farm manager at an organic Tudor working heritage farm that keeps rare breed livestock. My job involves managing the farm and staff. The farm is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and we produce meat for its restaurants and other local organisations.
I’d always wanted to work with animals — horses in particular — but, as I gained more experience, I realised that I enjoyed working with a wide variety of livestock.
How I got here…
I did a degree in animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Chester. After I graduated, I worked for the county council countryside service on a historic Regency farm and country park with 1,000 acres. I also taught students at an agricultural college. By now I realised that I preferred practical work, so I moved towards this when I began to manage a farm for a SEN school.
I’ve been working for the Tudor farm since last September. I was due to start sooner, but an unfortunate fall from my horse, Butler, meant that I ended up with several spinal fractures that delayed my start.
Mucking in…
The best thing about my role is the support from staff in the trust’s various departments. In an emergency, they’ll grab a pair of wellies and muck in, even if they’re office based.
The worst thing is that it can be physically and mentally demanding. Working with animals is unpredictable and, when an end of life decision needs to be made, it can have a significant impact on the farm’s atmosphere.
My horses…
I’ve had Butler for 18 months. He’s 11 and we have a go at everything together. We have a special bond. The first time I met him, I knew I was meant to buy him — it felt like fate. I decided to get a second horse as Butler really needed a companion, so my boyfriend
Jon and I went to view an Exmoor yearling called Sonney. We fell in love and knew we had to buy him. Butler is like a big brother to Sonney and teaches him so many skills. He was mostly feral, but in the four months he’s been with us, he’s learned to trust people. We rent a yard from a lovely family who are really supportive and very helpful with the horses. It makes all the difference.
Day to day…
I get things ready for work the night before, so I usually get up at 7am and leave the house at 7.30am after a quick breakfast. I’m lucky that the yard is only 10 minutes from work, so I check on the horses on the way. I start work between 8-9am and ensure that all the stock are checked, fed and mucked out before the morning briefing at 10am with staff and volunteers. We then have a farm team meeting before we crack on for the day. We break for lunch together at about 1pm
“I was itching to get back in the saddle and thought I’d be terrified, but it felt so natural”
and chat through how things are going.
At the end of the day — any time from 4-6pm depending on the time of year — we feed the animals and shut them away for the night. I then answer emails and book in meetings. I go straight from work to the horses, where I soak feeds and clear the paddock. I’m lucky that my two boys are so well behaved and flexible. As soon as they see my car pull up they wait outside their stables, which saves me having to catch them! They’re turned out 24/7 with access to a shelter, and are really happy that way. Next I groom them, and get Butler ready if I’m going to exercise him. Usually I only ride if there’s enough daylight. Sometimes I’m able to visit and exercise the horses during my lunch break. Otherwise, for riding during the winter, I have to make use of the weekends and my days off.
Support system…
In normal circumstances I do the horses on my own. I enjoy the peace of the yard and all the wildlife I see. However, since my riding accident, I’ve needed help. My family and Jon have been so supportive; everyone has had a go, even if they had little equine knowledge. Jon has had to learn everything equine very quickly. He’s only ridden once — on a surprise gallop hack on a beach in Ireland. He survived and maybe even enjoyed some of it! While I was in my back brace, Jon took on the care of Butler and Sonney. He’s very good with horses, even though he never expected to have responsibility for them. Working on a farm also means that my colleagues understand commitments to animals maybe more than people in other professions.
Road to recovery…
Last year I took three months off riding due to my back injury. Initially I’d considered giving up and keeping my boys as expensive pets. But after a month off, I was itching to get back in the saddle, and climbed back on board the day my consultant gave me the green light. I’m taking it slowly, though, and Jon has been taking me and Butler out on the lead rein while I regain my confidence. I expected to be terrified, but it felt so natural and Butler loves going out and about on hacks again. We’re working towards some fun rides and clinics later this year — this time wearing a body protector and air jacket.
Goal setting…
I don’t ride competitively so it can be difficult to stay motivated during the winter,
Work/life balance…
Most of my friends are horsey so they know the commitment that’s involved. But even my non-horsey friends now understand why I always arrive late with hay in my hair. I don’t have much time for other hobbies beyond horses, but in the future I’d like to run a smallholding with my own livestock. Jon and I also love going skiing, although not this year as my back needed more time.
Furry friends…
NEXT MONTH: A tree surgeon from Canada, who co-runs her husband’s business and owns Patrick, a Dales pony.