Karen O'Malley

College/Training Establishment Attended: Writtle College, Essex

Course Studied: BSc (Hons) Equine Studies

Year of Graduation/Completion: Graduated with First Class Honours in 2003

Current job title and company: Deputy Head of International Training, The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH)

Description of job: Working closely the the ILPH's International Training Team, I am responsible for developing and managing five-year training programmes in saddlery, farriery, nutrition and education.  These are programmes designed for local people in developing world countires, to provide them with the skills necessary to optimise the use of their working horses.  I also monitor completed projects by assisting in the development of ongoing training.  Another aspect of my job is to establish overseas affiliations with equine welfare organisations within the countries in which we are operating.  These are particularly important to enable the ethos of our work to continue after the ILPH has completed its five-year training committment.

Good elements of job: Working for one of the world's largest equine welfare charities certainly has to be at the top of the list.  Frequent travel to Mexico, Guatemala, Lesotho, The Gambia, Cape Town and Romania definitely keeps my job interesting. Knowing that our training programmes provide people with the opportunity to advance their skills and impact upon the welfare of working horses provides great job satisfaction.

Bad elements of job: Definitely nor enough hours in the day!

Future Plans: To continue being involved with the expansion of the ILPH's International Training programmes.