Meet Vicky Simons
Feed Advisor Vicky Simons joined the Dengie team in July 2008 as a year’s work placement student from Warwickshire College.
Vicky has been horse mad from a young age, spending many weekends working at her local stables and still regularly teaches at her local yard. After completing her A-levels, Vicky decided to study BSc (Hons) in Equine Science at Warwickshire College. In her second year Vicky’s interest in equine nutrition, particularly nutrition research, led her to apply for an industry placement year with Dengie before completing her final year.
As Feed Advisor, Vicky spends most of her time answering Feedline calls and e-mails, but also helps out with many other tasks including writing articles, managing the forage analysis service and keeping on top of the day-to-day tasks in the office. Vicky adds, “Since I have been working for Dengie I have learnt so much about feeding both practically and academically. It fascinates me how many health issues have a nutrition link and I have really enjoyed hearing back from horse owners that have had great success with the rations I have advised. I can’t wait to get out on the road to do feeding talks at Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs during the summer”.
Outside of work Vicky spends most of her spare time in jodhpurs and loves spending time at the yard even to muck out! At college Vicky looked after a 19-year-old, BSJA stallion called Dude and regularly competed in unaffiliated showjumping with Gusty who is a 15-year-old, 15.2hh bay mare. Vicky says “Being at college and working for Dengie has enabled me to further both my ‘hands on’ and theoretical awareness of the equine industry, as well as providing me with the opportunity to challenge myself in these areas. I am looking forward to returning to college in September where I can continue to put everything I have learnt at Dengie to the test!”
