I was born and raised on a 4,000-acre farm in Namibia, so caring for animals has been a very natural and important part of my life from an early age. My Father and Uncle raised Brahman, Angus, and Bonsmara cattle, Boer goats, and Merino sheep. We also had chickens, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, Muscovy ducks, cats, dogs, and a variety of birds, including budgies, doves, and parakeets. From time to time, we would rescue and raise wildlife, including caring for animals that were unable to be returned to the wild. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for animals and taught me from a young age that each species—and each individual animal—has its own needs and personality. I started riding at the age of 10 and eventually competed at an advanced level in show jumping, achieving A-Grade status in Southern Africa. I also competed in Intermediate Eventing before deciding to concentrate primarily on stadium jumping. Throughout my equestrian career, I gentled and trained several young Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds and occasionally helped manage horse barns. My barn responsibilities included ordering and scheduling feed, coordinating veterinary appointments and assisting with veterinary care, exercising horses through both lunging and riding, and daily turn out. I also helped with dragging arenas and bush-hogging pastures. Although I retired from competitive equestrian sports in 2010 to focus on wildlife and plant conservation, horses remain an important part of my life. I still own my Belgian Warmblood, whom I bred and trained, he is currently happily boarded at a farm near my home. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with an exceptionally wide range of animals, and I am comfortable caring for everything from livestock and horses to household pets, birds, and reptiles. I am always happy to follow detailed instructions because I believe that understanding an animal's individual routine, personality, and behavior is an important part of providing the best possible care. I am also comfortable handling reptiles, including safely relocating venomous snakes when necessary. Above all, I approach animals with patience, respect, and genuine care, and I enjoy getting to know their individual personalities and quirks. I am willing to travel within GA, an additional fee may apply to farm-sitting assignments requiring travel beyond my standard service area to help cover additional fuel and travel expenses. I only house​/​barn sit in a smoke free environment, thank you :)