Ruling delayed on stable manager

12:13pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

A Redditch stable manager is waiting to see if she has won a compensation claim for unfair dismissal against an equestrian firm after alleging she was victimised by the management.

Miss Anne Parker of Ludgreen Close, Winyates West, Redditch, made her claim at Birmingham Employment Tribunal against Little Ladbrook Equestrian Ltd of Tanworth-in-Arden.

Miss Parker who said she had loved horses since she was a toddler, was employed at the firm for more than two years as a stable manager and horse trainer for some of the customers' animals.

But the firm's management accused Miss Parker of being antagonistic and said there had been a breach in confidence and trust.

The firm also questioned her concern for the horses and alleged Miss Parker had been involved in a number of disputes.

On one occasion a gate had been left open and a horse got out and was injured following a clash with another horse, it was said.

Miss Parker denied she was involved in the incident. She also denied an allegation that she refused to handle a customer's horse.

Miss Parker accused the management of making untrue allegations about her and alleged she had been the victim of a victimisation campaign.

"They were angry about me complaining about a lack of pay slips and a contract," said Miss Parker. "When they eventually prepared a contract for me I refused to sign it because I did not agree with some of the terms."

Miss Parker denied the firm's allegations and said she loved the horses and gave them her best attention at all times.

The equestrian centre was said to have had about 21 horses at the site when Miss Parker was employed.

The hearing lasted several days and tribunal chairman Mr David Dimbylow said a decision would be made at a later date because of the amount of evidence to be considered.

Both parties are expected to be told of the decision by post.

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