Karen van der Burgh

Co-owner @Harley Brown Equestrian

Menlo Park, CA, US

Harley Brown Equestrian is one of the premier competitive training and show barns on the West Coast, focusing on Show Jumping, Hunters and Equitation. Teaching students from novice level to that of US Team member level. • Right hand “women” to World Cup Finalist, Harley Brown. • Managed and co-ordinated the daily competition schedules of 30-40 horses, and clients across 4 – 10 different arena’s, where overlaps were common practice. If you didn’t need to be at two places at once, there was probably a problem. • Strong ability to remain cool under a fast-paced, high pressure environment where competition nerves run high, and personalities are tested. In such an environment the ability to communicate, be diplomatic and solve problems is of extreme importance. • Organized and liaised with all suppliers necessary for the care of the horses and the seamless running of the barn such as farriers, vets, braiders, accupuncturerist’s, equine therapy, medical suppliers, tack stores, feed and shavings, haulers, and communicating with the home barn.• Coaching clients and preparing them for competition up to USA Young Rider Team level. • Worked the horses, ensuring their fitness, suppleness and obedience in getting them ready to compete and deliver the best results for clients.• Able to multi-task and switch gears quickly, from being point person for Harley, to competing myself, to handling external vendors and clients.• Transported horses in a 7 horse truck and trailer to and from competitions involving long days, and grueling schedules while maintaining an up-beat, can-do attitude. • Managed teams of grooms, and other assistants while competing ensuring that all tasks were delegated and everyone knew their respective roles and responsibilities. • Taught lessons while at home and trained both the horses and riders for the next competition