26/06/2025
A few weeks ago we were contacted by Ely Hero Awards and On Tuesday Hayley, our Lead instructor at Old Tiger Stables at North Angle Farm and The Manager of Little Gems Wellbeing Centre had a phone interview with Ely Heroes. One of our customers had very kindly nominated her for "Most Amazing Professional"
Going into the phone call Hayley had no idea who had nominated her or even why.
Here's what she has to say about it all:
"When the nomination came in I was totally gobsmacked. For anyone who knows me knows I absolutely love my job and say how lucky I am to be able to do what I get to do everyday. Once I'd calmed down from the excitement of receiving the email I then started to rack my brains as to who may have nominated more, and even more so, why?
The email regarding the phone interview also left very little to the imagination, other than saying all will be revealed during it.
We started the the call by the judge explaining the process and then telling me more about the category - most amazing professional 🌟This award is to recognise a professional in the community who really makes a difference and goes above and beyond. This could be your fitness instructor, doctor, dentist, nurse, paramedic, mechanic, chemist, builder, solicitor, accountant, chiropractor, osteopath, beauty therapist to name but a few (other professions are available). They are amazing because of what they have done for you, how they have made you feel and how they made a difference in your life. This person is incredibly positive and inspiring, they always provide a truly professional service with a kindly approach🌟
Stunned was how I then started the conversation, to think someone thought that highly of me to nominate me for that category was incredibly humbling.
I was then told I wouldn't hear about the nomination or who had nominated me until the end of the call.
And so the first interview question came in. Tell me about you?
My response. How long do I have?
Well the last call took an hour, so however long you want it to be
Oh, OK then.
So for those who don't already know, a bit about me
I've been riding at OTS since I was a child, 34 years to be exact and used to have lessons with Lorraine and Vikki. I was lucky enough to have my first pony and then horse at livery at OTS. I grew up at OTS and a huge amount of my childhood memories are being at the stables with my friends.
Fast forward a few years and I left school, got a job and had a relatively successful career within a large beauty retailer. I enjoyed my job but was never truly fulfilled.
Whilst pregnant with my eldest daughter, in 2015 I trained at OTS to do my instructor course and in 2019 went on to do my level 2 coaching certificate. It was never my plan to become a riding instructor, but as I started teaching in 2016 / 2017 I realised that I absolutely loved it. I had found a job that worked around my family, allowed me to be around people and most of all around the horses.
Since joining the OTS team I've supported with teaching customers to ride, setting up Grown Ups Club, taking Pony Club sessions, Home ed sessions and supported Lorraine with the move from old yard to our amazing new yard. More recently I was asked to help set up our now Alternative Education Provision Little Gems Wellbeing Centre, something I have poured my heart and soul into, something I have learned a lot about myself doing and something I am incredibly proud of, when I see what a difference we are making to those we come into contact with
At the end of the call, the person who nominated was revealed. I was absolutely gobsmacked, not because of who it was, but they why? I see this person nearly every week, a quick hello, the occasional quick 2 min chat, then I teach their daughter for her lesson.
And then the judge said and this is what they had to say about you.
With tears streaming down my face at the end the judge asked if I was OK. A very muffled yes was all I could get out.
She then said: I'd already read your nomination before, but now hearing your story, your passion, your why has brought a tear to my eye 🥹
It'll be middle of June before we know if I'm a finalist or not. Tbh that's not important (although it would be amazing) I'm one of 30 Most Amazing Professional nominees and I'm incredibly humble that someone thought what they did of me enough to nominate me. I have been able to already thank the person in person but wanted to publicly say
🌟Thank you for thinking of me
🌟Thank you for taking the time to nominate me
🌟Thank you for the incredibly kind words
Most of all Thank you for noticing what I do and how I do it. Your words truly mean the world to me
