Maisie graduated a year ago and entered first opinion equine practice with all the knowledge she gained at vet school, but no prior equine industry experience and having not passed a nasogastric tube and having never 'rectalled' a colic. The learning curve was steep, but she recognised that many 'day one skills' in equine are not so routine that you must manage them alone, and that it's ok to stop and ask for help. Knowing when to seek help is a sign of development, not failure, and balancing this with growing your own self-confidence is key to enjoying any career, but never more applicable than to equine ambulatory practice. Fully expecting the ups and downs all new grads will experience, Maisie rode the rollercoaster of her first year with the help of friends, family and a supportive practice, and is now setting her sights on the next stage of her career as an equine vet.