The following details are some of the main duties.

Please contact hr@strengthandlearningthroughhorses.org for full job description and instructions on how to apply for the role.

Daily Yard Operations

• Mucking out stables
• Turning out and bringing in horses
• Feeding, watering, and haying
• Grooming, clipping, and trimming
• Maintaining yard cleanliness
• Bandaging and tacking up
• Lunging/long reining
• Assisting with horse care, health & welfare
• Monitoring horse condition & consulting with the Yard Manager, vets or specialists as needed
• Treating minor wounds, changing dressings & administering medications
• Supervising horse exercising and grooming

Training and Education:

• Working with young people with mental health and educational needs, with regular training and supervision
• Inspiring and educating young people to access the equestrian industry and develop training aims
• Assisting in managing a staff team informed by SLTH core values of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Assisting in training and managing staff to ensure horses are safe and happy therapy horses
• Educating and supporting therapy staff to enhance their understanding of horse behaviour and handling
• Assisting in therapy and education programmes & groundwork training sessions.

Programme Management:

• Planning activities and schedules for each session, including bespoke curriculums and qualifications/accreditations
• Completing qualification paperwork for education programmes
• Managing Programme Assistants and Volunteers
• Checking the barn and arena readiness, conducting brief risk assessments.
• Liaising with the Yard Manager regarding horse management tasks and updates on horse conditions affecting session plans
• Leading sessions & ensuring health and safety
• Liaising with support staff from referring organisations to set expectations for supporting students.

Essential:

• A clear, up-to-date enhanced DBS check.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with horses as a trainer/instructor.
• Knowledge and experience in caring for various horses, including those living out full time.
• High level of practical competence and theoretical knowledge in horse care and yard management, to at least BHS Level Stage 2.
• Strong working knowledge of horse psychology.
• Understanding of training horses through groundwork techniques.
• Ability to read horse body language and assess and intervene in risky behaviour.
• Confidence and experience in managing staff.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience liaising with professionals such as veterinary surgeons and farriers.
• Physically fit and able to undertake all horse care and yard management tasks.
• Commitment to continued learning about horse psychology and openness to training.
• Self-motivated, able to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ideally, some experience handling horses, or a compelling explanation of interest in the role.
• Valid Driving License (with no more than 6 points)

Preferable:

• BHS Stage 3 Groom or Level Three Apprenticeship in Horse Care and Management.
• Knowledge and practical ability in exercising horses and groundwork.
• Experience in training staff, apprentices, and volunteers.
• Experience working with vulnerable young people and adults.
• Experience in teaching/training.
• Driving License with HGV 3.5T+