Hay There, Gill!

Welcome back to Hay There, our monthly spotlight where we celebrate the amazing team and volunteers who make The Horse Trust so special. This month, we’re delighted to introduce you to Gill, a devoted member of our team who has been with us for 15 wonderful years. Gill’s story is as fascinating as it is inspiring, and we’re excited to share it with you!

Gill, tell us a bit about how your career started.

I began my career in the military, joining the RAF straight out of school in the 1970s. It was an exciting time, full of opportunities to explore new experiences while maintaining my training. Can you believe I got to ski in Cyprus? I also played hockey, participated in tennis tournaments inspired by Wimbledon, and so much more. It was a whirlwind of activities alongside the responsibilities of military life. I worked in communications which was a mixed environment, so that’s how I learned to handle banter!

You mentioned a love for Cyprus. How did that come about?

I was stationed there during my military career and absolutely fell in love with the place. The community was so close-knit, and it quickly felt like home. In the 1990s, during a return visit, I was offered a job there that I couldn’t turn down. After meeting my now husband, James, we eventually moved back to the UK in 2009.

What led you to The Horse Trust?

When we moved back to the UK, I was living on the outskirts of London and searching for volunteering opportunities involving horses, something I’d loved as a child. I stumbled across The Horse Trust and decided to give it a try. At the time, I had no idea about its military and police connections, but once I learned, I was thrilled. It felt like a perfect match for my life experiences. I joined in 2009, and October 9th marked my 15th anniversary here!

What is your main priority today at The Horse Trust?

I started with regular groom duties, but after a few years, I adjusted my role to suit my health needs. That’s when I transitioned to coordinating Tuesday farrier days. I’ve been doing this for about seven years now, working closely with Crendon Farriers Ltd. Dan and I share a similar sense of humour, which makes the mornings both productive and enjoyable.

What do you love most about volunteering with us?

For starters, it fills the horse-shaped gap in my heart. I’m not able to have a horse of my own, but coming in every Tuesday certainly compensates for that. I also adore the atmosphere here. The team is incredible, and the rural setting is just beautiful. I’ve lived by the sea for most of my life, but there’s something about the countryside that feels like home to me. The Chilterns are stunning, and having the Home of Rest nestled within them makes me feel incredibly lucky.

Do you have any standout memories of horses you’ve worked with here?

Oh, absolutely. Gawain, a former Metropolitan Police horse, is one of them. He was ridden by The Horse Trust’s Estates Foreman, Jon, during his career, and he’d gallop to me in the field when he saw me – I suspect my packet of polos played a role! He was so dear to me that one of my closest friends painted his portrait for me in his memory. I also have fond memories of Uncle George, who came from Battersea Children’s Zoo and lived to the grand age of 43, and Ryan, a beautiful, rescued Clydesdale. Each horse has such a unique story.

Any special moments you’d like to share?

One that comes to mind is when the War Horse production team visited us with their life-size puppet. It was fascinating to see how the horses reacted to it. Commando, one of our residents, took some time to decide he was comfortable enough to approach it! The horses definitely thought it was an interesting addition to their herd.

We hear you’re known for your cakes. May we ask why?

Polos are the quickest way to a horse’s heart, and cakes for the wonderful Horse Trust team! I’ve been bringing a new cake into the yard every week since I started in 2009.

That’s almost 800 cakes if our calculations are correct!

Yes, that sounds about right! Malteser cake is a favourite among the team, but I like to keep the rotation interesting.

Thank you, Gill, for sharing your incredible journey with us!

Your dedication and passion for both people and animals are truly inspiring. Here’s to many more years of making memories at The Horse Trust!

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