Week 1 — Orientation The first week is all about getting comfortable. Learn where everything is — feed, equipment, supplies — and start putting names to faces, both human and horse. Shadow a more experienced team member for the first few days rather than jumping straight into solo tasks. Focus on the core daily rhythm: morning muck-out, feeding rounds, and evening checks. By the end of the week you should be able to get through the basics without being told what to do next.

Week 2 — Hands-on care Start taking real ownership of tasks. Practice the full grooming routine, learn to tack up and untack correctly, and begin doing daily health checks on your assigned horses. Get comfortable spotting things that look off — a horse that's not eating, moving oddly, or seems uncomfortable — and report it at the morning briefing. Start coordinating with the rest of the team on turnout schedules and daily task lists.

Week 3 — Deeper responsibility Move beyond the basics into more specialised care. Learn each horse's individual feeding plan, including any supplements or dietary needs. Get to grips with rug fitting and rotation, basic bandaging, and paddock maintenance. Assist during farrier and vet visits so you understand the routines and protocols. By this point you should be running your section of the stable independently each morning.

Week 4 — Full autonomy This is the week to prove you can handle everything on your own. Manage your horses start to finish without guidance, keep care records up to date, and step up within the team — lead a morning briefing, contribute to the weekly care plan, and flag anything you think could be done better. Finish the month with a formal check-in with your manager to review progress and set goals for what comes next.