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Meet the Team
Meet some of the people behind the success and enterprise of the ASU!
Esther Blakey
Farm Manager & Lecturer
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2003 and went to on to become head nurse of a first opinion practice, where I also took on role of clinical coach/assessor supporting student nurses in their training. I moved into teaching in 2005 joining Writtle University College as an Animal Management/Veterinary Nursing lecturer and course tutor gaining my Certificate of Education through Greenwich University. In the following 9 years I worked to develop alternative education programmes for 14–16-year-olds and qualified as an Assessor and Verifier, whilst also guest lecturing on the Animal Science Degree. In 2015 I achieved her Level 4 Award in Canine Hydrotherapy to support the development of the hydrotherapy unit at Writtle University College. I joined the ASU in 2016 where I have led the team to gaining approval to offer City and Guilds qualifications, I am passionate about education and animal welfare and support the staff in championing the animals they are responsible for.
Gemma Barton
Lecturer
I have always had a passion for animals, but for the most part this has been directed towards horses. I went to Hartpury college in 2013 and gained my Bachelor's degree in Equine Science and then went on to become qualified as an Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy. I run my Physiotherapy business in my own time, and have had a few different jobs working in the Equine industry since university, but have uncovered a secret passion for teaching since starting at The ASU. I have found working with a wider variety of animals very rewarding and enjoy the new challenges that working with different species brings. My favourite modules are Anatomy and Physiology and Biology which I teach at level 2 and 3, and I oversee the ferrets, chickens, goats, sheep, donkeys, and pigs in the unit. I have found a particular interest in producing goats and sheep for the show ring more recently and we have enjoyed a successful first season for showing, hopefully with more to come!
Kiera Monk
Instructor & Head Technician
I started my career working with animals as a teenager working in a riding school, since then I have gained experience working in rescue with cats, rabbits and wildlife as well as completed my Level 3 Animal Management. I became employed at the ASU in 2019 having previously done two years' work experience during the time I was completing my Level 3. In my free time I enjoy training and competing in dog agility.
As a member of the ASU team I am involved with all the farm has to offer, including events management, teaching and development projects. At home I have a variety of amazing pets and I am very dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals,
Kelly Rowe
Animal Technician
Since a child I have loved all animals especially horses! I have spent many years working with horses in different disciplines, studs, race yards, riding schools and freelance grooming.
I have my BHS Riding & Road Safety, Stage 1 & Stage 2 exams and attended agricultural college to attain a National Certificate in The Management of horses.
I had a change of career once I had my family and worked in a primary school gaining a Cache level 3 Diploma for the children and young persons workforce.
I am loving working with all of the different animals at ASU and enjoying learning from the knowledgeable staff.
Holly Bayford
Instructor and Animal Technician
​Ever since I can remember I have always loved being around animals especially horses. I have worked at several riding schools completing my apprenticeship. Following on from this I have an interest in teaching people to ride and care for horses. I trained and completed my BHSQ Level 3 Groom and Ride Complete and BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Coaching Riders which lead me to teach and run sessions at the riding school including pony club. I started working at the ASU in January 2024 as I have always wanted to learn and gain experience working with a variety of animals.
Ginny Barnard
Animal Technician
I’ve always loved animals, my main passion being horses. I was a member of the local pony club and had two ex racehorses over the years, both of which I competed regularly.
I started working at the ASU in December 2023, and it’s great to be back having been very involved with the farm many years ago when I was at the school.