Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kirsty Luft

Rocky View

Summary

Patient and safety-oriented Horse Riding Instructor 23 years of experience riding horses of all sizes and temperaments and supporting trainees at various stages of riding education. Comprehensive equestrian expert with detailed knowledge of common health issues, training and communication techniques and proper tack and equipment use. Experienced horse caretaker and teacher of daily best practices for equine health.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Riding Instructor

Olds College
01.2016 - Current
  • Mentored both advanced and beginner riders focusing on refining techniques, setting attainable goals, tracking progress, celebrating achievements and preparing them for competitions or higher level challenges while supporting beginner riders in overcoming fears and insecurities with patience, encouragement, and expert guidance.
  • Met needs of different students by adapting teaching materials and methods; tailoring lessons to individual skill levels and goals, creating a positive learning environment, fostering relationships between riders and their horses, provided feedback, guidance and support to students on participation and performance.
  • Adhered to industry safety standards at all times during lessons, ensuring the well-being of both students and horses alike by; implementing structured lesson plans and providing clear instructions, diffusing potentially dangerous situations between horses and students, ensuring proper use of equipment minimize risk of injury or damage, emphasizing proper communication and riding commands for optimal control and safety,
  • Contributed to stable and equine care and maintenance by leading students in grooming and animal care requirements both before and after lessons.



Ranch Manager

Miracle Ranch/ A2 Thoroughbreds
07.2022 - 06.2023
  • Improved ranch productivity and guest experiences by working closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, scheduling staff according to availability to maximize productivity for used staff hours, handling complex and urgent client/ guest concerns calmly and efficiently, minimizing waste, implementing efficient management strategies, arranging resource allocation, supervising staff and delegating tasks accordingly, hiring and training volunteers and part-time help.
  • Managed budgetary constraints by regularly reviewing expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities while establishing strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent access to high-quality feed, equipment, and other resources at a reduced rate.
  • Enhanced animal welfare through proper nutrition, healthcare, providing and overseeing daily care of 52 horses according to strict feeding schedules and dietary needs, collaborating with veterinarians to implement a preventative care program for all livestock, maintained comprehensive records of livestock health, breeding, and sales transactions for accurate reporting, examined animals daily for signs of sickness and overall herd health as well as fitness and condition of horses used to teach lessons and do trail rides.
  • Conducted regular safety inspections to minimize risks associated with equipment usage or hazardous conditions, performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property, and supervised safety procedures during horse rides and interactions to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for guests with a safe working environment for all staff and volunteers.

Horse Trainer

Self-employed
01.2000 - 11.2018
  • Improved and enhanced racehorse performance by implementing customized training programs tailored to individual needs and abilities, along with tailoring individual feeding programs to suit each horse while managing expenses responsibly within budgetary constraints set forth by owners without sacrificing quality of care or resources.
  • Maintained optimal racing condition for each horse by consistently adjusting training schedules based on progress and feedback, along with collaborating with veterinarians to address health concerns proactively, expediting recovery times and preventing long-term issues.
  • Ensured racehorse safety through rigorous inspection of gear, equipment, and track conditions before every training session.
  • Contributed to the success in numerous races by providing expert advice on ideal race strategies specific to each horse''s strengths.
  • Developed strong relationships with jockeys, enhancing communication regarding horse handling techniques during races, and with owners satisfaction by delivering regular progress reports detailing improvements in their horses'' fitness levels" and competitive potential.
  • Mentored assistant trainers and stable staff, fostering a positive work environment while promoting continuous learning within the team, and streamlining workflow processes through effective time management strategies that maximized productivity without compromising quality care or training results.
  • Continuously researched advancements in equine science to stay current on industry best practices for optimizing racehorse training methods.
  • Fostered a reputation as a highly reliable professional by consistently meeting deadlines and delivering on commitments made to owners, jockeys, and industry stake holders.
  • Played an integral role in the overall success of the stable by combining expertise in horsemanship with strong leadership skills that inspired dedication from staff and fostered positive working relationships among key stakeholders.


Education

No Degree - Agriculture Production

Olds College
Olds, AB
04.1997

No Degree - Agribusiness

Olds College
Olds, AB
04.1996

Skills

  • Horse Handling and Training
  • Barn and Stable Management
  • Equestrian Knowledge
  • Office Administration
  • Animal Health
  • Time Management
  • Equine First Aid
  • Race Preparation
  • Customer Service
  • Safety Practices

Accomplishments

  • Achieved 95% graduation rate through effectively helping students learn how to ride and look after race horses.

Languages

English
Professional Working
French
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary

Certification

  • Licensed Stakes winning Trainer - 2002
  • Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator

Timeline

Ranch Manager

Miracle Ranch/ A2 Thoroughbreds
07.2022 - 06.2023

Riding Instructor

Olds College
01.2016 - Current

Horse Trainer

Self-employed
01.2000 - 11.2018

No Degree - Agriculture Production

Olds College

No Degree - Agribusiness

Olds College
Kirsty Luft