A HORSE-lover who has recently completed her A-levels has been headhunted to work at a race horse stables.

Imogen Thornton, who completed her studies at Richmond Sixth Form College, has started at Ann Duffield Racing after achieving Distinction* and two Distinctions in her Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity.

Imogen is taking on a wide range of responsibilities, from mucking out to riding out, clipping horses to creosoting fences.

Ann Duffield said: “There is nothing that I can’t ask Imogen to do and I know she will never let me down. She is a great asset and works really well in our team, she just gets on with whatever jobs need doing.

"She overcomes problems herself, has great respect for our clients and is extremely resilient. It’s thanks to the support of her parents and school for making her the person she is. Imogen will climb the ladder, she has great potential and will make the most of the many opportunities for progression in the world of racing.”

Imogen made a positive impression on the team at Ann Duffield in Year 10, and again Year 12, after completing her work experience at the yard. Mrs Duffield recognised that Imogen was not afraid of hard work and had a great aptitude to multi-task and get things done to a very high standard.

Aware that Imogen would be finishing college in the summer, she approached Imogen with a full-time job and the offer to train in many aspects of racing.

Imogen has been riding since she was two years old and competing regularly for more than twelve years.

Imogen said: “Working with horses is something I have always wanted to do as I love them so much.

"There are so many opportunities here and I am hoping to train as either a flat or jump jockey, which will involve going to college part-time."