1980 Burghley Winner, Judy Bradwell, Coaches SCT Apprentice

If anyone knows how to recognise – and nurture – young talent, it is Judy Bradwell. Winner of Burghley Horse Trials in 1980, Judy is one of the country’s most highly respected producers of horses, coach of young riders, judge and selector for the New Zealand eventing team.

Stubbing Court Training Ltd (SCT) apprentice Tally Read has been working for Judy at her base near Holme, Newark, and benefiting from Judy’s exceptional knowledge and experience of the equestrian world. The 16-year-old has had the opportunity to compete some of Judy’s horses, including the advanced-level schoolmaster Akolien.

“Tally is very enthusiastic and talented, but still inexperienced,” said Judy at one of East Midlands-based training company SCT’s exclusive Masterclasses for apprentices and employers this summer. “SCT’s apprenticeship curriculum, with its broad and comprehensive syllabus and regular assessments, is an excellent foundation for young people wanting to develop a career in the horse industry. Riding skills are important, of course, but the knowledge of care and management of horses are the foundations of everything.

“Young people often have little idea what a serious career with horses entails – the dedication and hard work it takes – and apprenticeships, where they learn on the job in a practical but well-rounded way give them insight into that.

“SCT gives employers good back-up and support as well as the apprentices, particularly in relation to areas such as health and safety, current employment law and so on.”

Judy has had experience of SCT apprentices previously – event rider Noah Brook completed his Level 3 apprenticeship with her and got a first-rate grounding in how best to produce and ride young horses, winning the prestigious Burghley Young Event Horse final for four-year-olds in 2015.

Tally said: “We currently have five horses in, ranging in age from four to 18, all of which are blood horses like ex-racers or event horses that I ride and compete. This season was my first season eventing and we have had some very good results, including a couple of wins.

“Aside from riding and managing the yard, I also love to groom at big events such as Chatsworth and Osberton. I enjoy all aspects of the job, including show preparation and the overall management of the horses. I’m lucky enough that Judy enables me to have these experiences and to gain such vast amounts of knowledge along the way.”