From hairdressing to horse grooming – Mom of two lands dream job thanks to unique training course

Mom of two Isabelle Padilla has taken up the reins on her dream job after completing an innovative training course learning how to look after and care for horses.

The 32-year-old from Quinton is now working at the stables of top British racehorse trainers Richard Newland and Jamie Insole Racing after completing a level 1 Diploma as part of the RMF Equine Management Programme, which is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The one-of-a-kind, industry-led training package provides extensive equestrian knowledge and practical skills, including horse management and handling, equine health, and stable design. It provides specialist support to help residents who are experiencing challenges in securing employment, including ex-offenders, veterans, the homeless to find work in the industry.

Isabelle said: “I have always loved horses from a young age and started riding from age four.

“As a teenager I took time away to explore other things and ended up working as a hairdresser and doing nails and beauty but my heart wasn’t in it. When I was presented with this training course by Restart I just couldn’t believe it was real.

“Every day you meet new people and learn new things and doing this training helped me to get a job at a stables working for Richard Newland. They are helping me to get further trained to become a head travelling girl where I get to travel across the country and abroad with horses.

“Thanks to RMF and the WMCA I have been able to get a career in something I have a real passion for and I’d urge anyone out there with a love for horses to give this course a go.”

Miyah Mason, 38 from Birmingham, has also completed her Level 1 with RMF Training and has gone on to complete Level 2 in Horse Care training at the National Stud. She will be going back there in September to complete her Level 3.

She said: “I only admired horses from afar, never thinking I would make a career out of it. When people think of horses they think of riding than the handling. Through this training I have been given opportunities to travel around the country and meet interesting people.

“I used to be self-employed, working in graphic design and business management but was then unemployed for a year and a half. When I came across this training I thought what have I got to lose – it has changed my life.”

The innovative equine training course trained more than 130 learners last year. Co-designed by RMF Training alongside a consortium of employers, it helps address significant labour shortages within the equine industry.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA, said: “My goal as Mayor is to make the West Midlands a region that gives people the best possible start in working life, a place where they can get good quality jobs, progress their careers and thrive.

“This unique equine management course by RMF Training is a great example of how we are providing people, who may have previously struggled to get a job, with the unique skills needed to work in those industries which will help the region thrive.

“Hearing how Isabelle has been able to develop a career in a sector she has a passion for is truly inspiring and also how Miyah’s life has been changed for the better by this training, enabling her to get a job and progress and reach her goal.

“The WMCA invests £170m each year on training courses, bootcamps and apprenticeships, teaching people the skills needed to work in all sorts of industries. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to find work, wants to change their career or land a better paid job to join one of our courses and fulfill their potential.”

Dara McCarthy, Director of RMF Group, said, “With the support from WMCA and our partners, we aim to continue investing in and creating careers for our learners and supporting each learner with their personal development alongside their professional careers. 

“We do this by focusing on employability through professional coaching, community-based training, and one-to-one mentoring. Delivering the skills and training required to succeed and, most of all, developing their passion for the equine industry”

Former Jockey Ryan Hatch, a tutor at RMF Training, developed a passion to teach equine training following a distinguished career that was cut short in 2017 due to a spinal injury. His role as a tutor has been recognised by receiving a WMCAs Adult Learning Award for his passionate approach to teaching horse care to a wide range of adult learners.

Ryan, aged 31, said: "I have worked with over 100 learners. Those who complete the course are guaranteed an interview and opportunity to change their life.

“Many learners have now got jobs or progressed to further training in the industry. I use my skills and lived experience to support learners.

“I also develop my own professional skills through additional qualifications and training. I am currently working towards a Level 3 assessors' qualification, which will help me to ensure learners develop industry-standard skills."