Cara Baillie, part of the nursing and client care team at Loch Leven Equine Practice in Kinross, has been elected on to the AMTRA council as the new RAMA representative for the equine sector.

Cara tells us how she plans to use her role on the AMTRA council to help reinforce that message.

Q. What was your background prior to qualifying as a RAMA (SQP)?

My passion for horses started at a very young age; owning and working with horses allowed me to gain valuable experience and knowledge.  Working in equine practice since leaving school has increased my keen interest in providing a better service for our equine clients, particularly by using marketing techniques and information sharing to deliver change for the better.

Q. What do you feel is the most important aspect of your role as a RAMA?

The most important aspect of my role is developing and managing our worming programme at Loch Leven Equine Practice, alongside one of our vets, Karen Wilson. I advise clients on the best treatment options and tests, using any results we have alongside the horse’s clinical history. This allows us to keep a track of the individual horse’s results, and the advice given.

Our main aim is reducing anthelmintic resistance in our horses through a targeted worming programme, and a marketing strategy that supports this - #PreventEducateTreat.

Q. What do you think are the most important skills and qualities you must demonstrate as a RAMA?

I think it is really important to listen to clients, understanding any concerns they may have and ultimately building up trust and loyalty. I want my clients to come to me and trust my advice, we are all working together for the same goal – healthy and happy horses!

Easy to follow plans, with clear written advice helps.

Q. Why did you put yourself forward to become a RAMA representative on the AMTRA council and what do you hope to achieve?

My main reason was to try and encourage more communication between equine RAMAs, sharing case studies and advice. I am very lucky to work in an equine practice, sharing developments, knowledge and experience between us all.

This ensures clients always get the best service possible.