Name: Shirley Jones

From: Co Wexford

Company that you work for? TopSpec Equine Ltd

Your base: Wexford

Job title: Equine nutritional advisor/business development manager

What attracted you to your current job? I have fed TopSpec for many years and had attended the nutrition training at TopSpec headquarters two years previous to taking up the role, so this is where the interest started as I loved every minute of the training.

I already had great respect for the company and I worked as an ISPCA inspector for many years so I had an interest in this line of work. Along with this, I have always had a keen interest in equine nutrition and when a job vacancy came up, I decided to try for the position.

What is your experience in the equestrian industry?

I have been a horse owner for many years and I worked abroad for two years as a groom. When I came returned home, I did it with the intent of going abroad again. It was while I was home, I rode a big three-quarter bred for the summer and competed her, fell in love with her and ended up buying her and staying home and there the love story began. Her name was Cara, a stunning 17hh grey, who I owned for 23 years.

I jumped many fences with her that I probably won’t ever do again, she passed a year ago, she was definitely “my one”. I have also worked in various different yards over the years, including show jumping and racing. I was a riding instructor for many years and I was often double-jobbing, teaching in the pony club along with my other duties.

My role with the ISPCA also gave me the opportunity to work with many equines. I now own two lovely thoroughbreds. Saab, my polocrosse horse if I ever decide to try to pick up a ball again. I use the term ‘try’ literally. And the other is Lyah, a four-year-old who is just lovely. They both keep me on my toes.

What does your job involve?

I look after our TopSpec wholesalers and retailers and I cover shows promoting and supporting the brand. Part of my job allows me to visit many nice yards, weighing horses, giving nutrition advice and doing up feed plans.

We also have a dog food brand called VetSpec, which is a high-quality premium dog food. Promoting this is another part of my job that I love.

How long have you been in this role?

One and a half years, and loving every minute.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part is when I recommend TopSpec products and the owners come back to me to say how well their horse is doing and are very complimentary of the brand.

I also have a great team to work with so there is always back up there when needed and someone to annoy when I’m looking for a chat.

The customers I have made along the way have also turned into friends, so I feel very lucky.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I normally cover the whole of Ireland, so the most challenging part of my role is the amount of time spent in the car.

I absolutely love meeting new people and seeing new places so this more than makes up for the time spent travelling!

Has 2020 brought new challenges for you?

Obviously, everybody is in the same situation but I have had to change the way I work a lot, doing feed plans from home has been a great success.

What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a similar role?

If it is your dream and you have a passion for horses, go for it, I did and I don’t regret it for a minute.

Shirley Jones was in conversation with Emer Bermingham