An 18-year-old equine apprentice from Derbyshire has been presented with the 2025 Stubbing Court Training (SCT) Ltd’s Enterprise Award.
Ruby Thompson, who works at Hargate Equestrian Centre, a BHS approved livery yard, riding school and training centre in Derby, received the award, which rewards awareness, understanding and proactivity in business development among its apprentices, from international showjumper William Whitaker.
SCT’s Enterprise Award is part of the East Midlands-based training company’s endeavours to incentivise, encourage and inspire its equine apprentices to develop all the skills they need to establish sound, long-lasting and rewarding careers in the equestrian world.
Ruby was one of three finalists who were interviewed on a Powerpoint presentation which they’d put together showing the work they had done with their employers on the business plan they had created.
The other finalists were Grace Houghton from Brook Farm Stables in Warrington and Evie Revell, who is an apprentice at Cottagers Plot Equestrian Centre in Grimsby.
‘Difficult decision’
“The finalists were all of such a high standard, and it was an extremely difficult decision to pick the winner,” said William.
“They had all made a huge effort and showed a massive commitment to the businesses they are employed with, as well as an impressive insight into what makes a business successful.
“It was very interesting to hear the differences between the types of yard and the comparisons between a riding school, a livery yard and an international level competition yard.
“Ruby was very thorough in her interview, had clear ideas about the improvements she could make to help the business and then had put them into action.”
Cash prize
William presented Ruby with her award, which included a cash prize of £150, during a masterclass at Parklands Equestrian Centre in Sheffield earlier this month.
“Congratulations to Ruby for her hard work, commitment to learning and business success, and the great contributions she has made to support Hargate EC,” said Belinda Turner, SCT chief executive.
Image © Stubbing Court Training Ltd.
