Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kelsy Hicks

Abilene,TX

Summary

Experienced equine professional with a strong background in training, equine behavior, and management. Certified therapeutic riding instructor adept at creating safe, engaging riding environments for individuals with disabilities. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple responsibilities, including horse care and training, therapeutic riding sessions, and volunteer training. Committed to maintaining horses that are both healthy and thoughtful, helping them perform with confidence and adaptability in various situations.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

CTRI & Equine Trainer

Camp Able of Buffalo Gap
08.2023 - Current
  • Manage the care of 15 therapeutic riding and in-training horses, and 15+ sanctuary horses, including developing feeding programs, administering daily medications, deworming, and overseeing vaccinations
  • Handle scheduling and collaborate with the farrier and vet to create and implement individualized care plans
  • Identify and address unsoundness, illness, and behavioral issues in horses
  • Knowledgeable regarding pasture health, using rotational grazing practices
  • Ensure horses stay in optimal condition through regular exercise, conditioning programs, and proper care
  • Evaluate new horses for their suitability in therapeutic riding
  • Train therapeutic riding horses, with a focus on improving feel, balance, thought, and problem-solving
  • Instruct individual and group riding sessions following PATH standards and ethics to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment
  • Train staff and volunteers to work effectively with horses to enhance their performance and achieve the best results in lesson settings

Wrangler

Resort at Paws Up
03.2023 - 08.2023
  • Safely guide trail rides, lessons, and cattle drives while minding/working my horse, talking with and instructing guests, and being vigilant for potential issues that may arise while riding in all gaits across all types of terrain
  • Challenge guests to change the way they think about and interact with their horses, through use of, and conversations about, horsemanship
  • Assist with daily chores, including feeding, administering medication, and cleaning work areas and equipment
  • Trained to foster the guest experience

Education

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor -

Equest CTRI Accreditation Course
Dallas, TX
03.2023

High School Diploma -

Premier Highschool
Abilene, TX
12.2022

Skills

  • Equine Health Management: Expertise in horse care, including nutrition, veterinary needs, conditioning, and overall maintenance
  • Horsemanship: Belief in helping horses through enough problem-solving and thought-provoking situations, so that they respond with thoughtfulness rather than fear in nerve-wracking situations
  • Leadership and team management: Ability to lead and manage a team, including staff and volunteers
  • Collaboration: Work closely with vets, farriers, and team members to create and carry out personalized care plans for each horse
  • Crisis Management and Problem-Solving: Effective at handling emergencies and adapting to unforeseen challenges in the equine environment
  • Record keeping: Accurate and organized in maintaining records related to horse care, training, and operational tasks

Timeline

CTRI & Equine Trainer

Camp Able of Buffalo Gap
08.2023 - Current

Wrangler

Resort at Paws Up
03.2023 - 08.2023

High School Diploma -

Premier Highschool

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor -

Equest CTRI Accreditation Course
Kelsy Hicks