You could get a relative to write to ask for a reference. I did this once, got the 'bad' reference back and then got a lawyer to send a warning letter. Your daughter would probably be able to get a lawyer free under CLS.

You can make a freedom of information request to the people she has applied for work at and ask to see the reference.

She can also ask them for feedback as to why she wasn't successful.

Bear in mind it may have nothing to do with this woman so don't jump to conclusions - maybe your daughter just doesn't interview well so keep your mind open.

As soon as they had the argument you should have stopped using the owner as a reference. Why would you continue to use this person as a reference when you know there is bad blood between them.

Also, do bare in mind that it may have nothing to do with the references. In my experience the would be employer very rarely contacts them anyway and just goes off the application form and interview to make their decision.

I don't think ex employers are allowed to give bad references unless it's something serious like theft. They can refuse to to pass on any information to the prospective new employer meaning no reference at all. Anyway at 17-18 prospective employers would see it as a fresh start, jobs they had before i don't think they would take into consideration. And i'm not a horse owner but aren't horse owners very responsible? Being able to look after a horse, not so much being able to more like ensuring the horse is well looked after counts for something. There are some 18 year olds working in Tesco who can't even look after their own kids never mind a horse.

The owner isn't legally allowed to give a bad reference, but may give a very brief reference (eg This person worked at my yard between these dates), that would indicate a poor level of performance. It's unfortunate that your daughter fell out with this person, but taking legal action would probably inflame the situation further.

The best thing she could do is probably to take on some voluntary work for a short period to get a good reference, before applying for the positions she really wants.