Lily Schweitzer

In March of 2023 I began a traineeship through Lisheen Agistment. Throughout my time here I have gained invaluable experience and understanding of horses.

My day to day jobs include feed preparation, stable/paddock cleaning and maintenance, grooming, lunging, ground working, tacking and rugging. I have been caring for foals from 2 months, through to stallions and horses well into their advanced years. Working with a variety of horses has given me solid understanding of dietary needs throughout all life stages.

I regularly collaborate with veterinarians, dentists and farriers helping to ensure optimal equine health. I often assist in unloading horses arriving on the property, some of which have had minimal handling. I frequently maintain leather equipment and tack, as well as ensuring helmets and safety equipment are appropriately fit to clients.

I’m confident in identifying and treating injuries independently on all types of horses. I’ve had experience treating various injuries and illness including greasy heel, seedy toe, colic, viruses, worm burden, eye injuries, breeding injuries, haematomas, deep lesions and open wounds.

I've assisted in the rehabilitation of injured horses utilising professional methods of groundwork and tissue massage to promote healing. I am proficient in equine massage and know various techniques to support muscle and tension issues.

I was able to gain considerable experience handling stallions on the property, some of which were on pasture with mares. I’ve been present during live coverings as well as having managed injuries that were sustained during breeding.

Over the past several months I've been giving weekly lessons to a five year old beginner. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has encouraged me to advance my teaching skills. I’m passionate about working with kids and giving them the best possible start on their riding journey.

As part of my Certificate III, I will be completing a first aid course at the end of the month.

Over the past 10 years I have held memberships with a variety of wildlife rescue organisations. I have bottle raised several young animals to maturity, provided treatment to injuries and eventually assisted in their release. Providing compassionate care for distressed animals during the rehabilitation process is crucial to fostering trust and reducing recovery time.

The species which have come into my care have been a diverse array and at all life stages, some of which include wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and reptiles.

These experiences have given me vital knowledge pertaining to their rehabilitation and reintegration back into their natural environment. Being able to assess the viability of injured animals is an important skill I've gained during this time, as it is vital we avoid unnecessary suffering.

I participated in the Spur Ranch program, a veteran rehabilitation project aiding soldiers returning from war. The program aimed to provide a supportive environment to assist in the recovery, and mental wellbeing of Australian veterans.

While participating in the program, my position involved familiarising the horses to trails and exorcising them under saddle. This not only enhanced the horses education, but ensured the safety of inexperienced riders.

During my time at OffTap Kennels I gained integral knowledge of how to best facilitate the emotional, social and physiological wellbeing of domestic animals. Much of my responsibility was providing a hygienic, low stress environment to best support the health of the dogs I cared for.

I maintained clean and orderly play yards and kennels, as well as ensuring all animals were regularly bathed to remove dust and contaminants. I provided toys and stimulating activities that were crucial in maintaining happiness in their environment.

When identifying injuries or illness in the animals, I would carry out necessary care and treatment plans for them. I understand the importance of monitoring their condition and assessing when veterinary assistance is required. I would provide compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill animals, ensuring a comfortable and dignified passing.

Over the course of 12 months, I was employed at a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) riding school. During my time there I gained experience working with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. I worked with children as young as 2-years-old, through to adults in their 80s.

My position involved working with clients that may have apprehension of large animals or have limited riding experience. Much of my work surrounded assistance in lessons for young children, many with disabilities. I ensured every client received beneficial one on one assistance tailored to their individual abilities.

I would walk first time clients through appropriate safety briefings and guidelines before mounting. When fitting clients with protective equipment I would ensure all gear was well maintained and sized correctly.

When I wasn't working with clients I was ensuring the wellbeing and health of our school horses. This would typically involve feeding, grooming, exorcising and turning out.