A FORMER Thurrock woman has achieved her dream after being given a top job in the New Zealand horse racing industry.

While at Palmer’s College in Grays Kiely Buttell was told by careers advisors that a career on the equine field would have no future but now Kiely has got her dream job as executive manager of the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association.

Kiely, 32, said: "From an early age I knew that I wanted a career in the Equine Industry, my parents encouraged me to continue with my education rather than go straight into industry, which I did obtaining a HND in Equine Studies.

"After finishing university I was fortunate enough to work for top trainers and thoroughbred studs throughout Europe and Australasia.

"I was delighted to be offered the executive manager position for the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association and look forward to positively contributing to this fantastic industry."

Kiely first showed an interest in horses at the age of seven when she had her first riding lesson on Snuffy at Foxhound Riding School, Orsett.

She also became a member of Thurrock Riding Club with her pony, Copper.

The former Grays Convent pupil went on from Palmer’s College to study at Writtle Agricultural College in Chelmsford to study equine studies before moving to Christchurch in New Zealand in 2002.

Kiely’s parents, Marilyn and Paul, both 60 and formerly of Moore Avenue but now living in Cambridgshire, are very proud of their daughter.

Dad Paul added: "It’s a funny old world.

“When Kiely was at Palmer’s College her tutor tried to discourage her from working in the equine field as she saw no future in it."