Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Groom/rider to join a high-net-worth family in maintaining and developing their collection of horses and ponies with a "can do" attitude. This role requires an individual who is passionate about high standards of care, with the commitment to producing well-bred imported horses in a happy caring fun working environment and providing top class experiences to the family during their residence period.
Duties
The daily role will included working the horses on the ground and ridden to their individual work specifications aligned with their intended purpose. We are looking for a candidate which has plenty of riding experience ideally someone who has experience in producing young horses and eventing. Experience with driving horses is desirable but not essential as this can be taught on the job. Some days can also include outings to lessons, clinics and competitions.
The role will also included completing all yard jobs and maintaining equine care so will need to be able to turnout the horses to a high standard and making sure their needs are met to a high level, and being able to keep the yard neat and tidy is essential. The candidate must be able to work efficiently throughout the day to ensure that daily tasks are kept on top of and the welfare and care for the horses are kept to a high standard as we take much pride at giving the horses the best quality of care and welfare.
This role will also include transporting horses to and from different places and ideally the candidate would have experience in driving either a 3.5t horsebox and/or towing trailers. The candidate would need to have a full clean UK driving licence.
In the high season the role is similar to a competition groom role, exciting and dynamic with different requests to fulfil on the main premises inclusive of riding lessons, carriage driving, trekking, photoshoots, events and helping out in the wider team when needed. During this time a level of flexibility and dedication to the departments success is needed. The candidate will need to be flexible regarding hours during the "in residence season" as some of the events can run into the evenings, this time is well remunerated on an overtime rate and those that go above and beyond to make the residency period run smoothly are well rewarded with a discretionary bonus at the end of the season.
The position is open to only experienced groom/rider applicants, with plenty of "on the job" experience under their belt. As you will be responsible for the ridden development of the horses and the instruction of junior staff, it is essential you are a lightweight (able to ride children's ponies) capable, and confident rider and are physically fit for the role as this is a physically demanding job and are happy to work outdoors in all weathers. During the out of season time there is plenty of availability to enjoy the horses and participate in a range of events, clinics and days out. Other benefits include 28 Days paid annual leave, paid lunch hour, paid sick leave allowance, uniform provided including hat, boots and other riding equipment.
The daily working location is based in Rickmansworth west, the main estate is based near Windsor, during the "season" you will be required to work from either/both locations as required.
Responsibilities
* Daily feeding of the horses, weighing, body condition scoring and taking relevant action to ensure equine health and optimum wellbeing.
* Mucking out of the stables to high standards, cleaning of drinkers and maintenance of Hay steamer.
* Poo picking and grazing rotation of paddocks.
* Checking security and safety of stables and paddocks, subsequent reporting of any damage or repairs required to the Manager.
* Taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of all the horses.
* Keeping digital records up to date.
* Carrying out the daily exercise schedule of all the horses in the best interest of the clients.
* The ability to; or willingness to learn to carriage drive.
* Riding of the horses as per the exercise schedule to a high standard.
* Grooming, bathing and presentation of the horses to a high standard.
* Clipping the horses to requirements.
* Ensuring the harnesses and tack is kept clean and ready to use.
* Assisting the vets, dentist, chiropractor as required.
* Ensuring the stables facilities are always kept tidy and presentable to a high standard
* Presentation of the horses and giving accurate information about them.
* Leading of horses for riding lessons and guided rides, facilitating riding and carriage driving experiences.
- Helping the supervisor with the development of Junior staff members riding abilities.
- The progression and development of the horses including overseeing their ridden progression and communicating this with the supervisor/manager
- Developing and implementing rehabilitation plans as needed with the supervisor/manager.
- Taking the horses to off site lessons, clinics and small competitions to develop their educations.
* Reporting of any vehicle maintenance required on the stables 4x4 buggy, carriages and horsebox to the Manager/supervisor
* Any other reasonable request your manager makes.
Skills
* Clipping to a high standard
* Plaiting to a high standard
* Show presentation
* Team player
* Riding to elementary level or above
* lightweight ability to ride children's ponies
* Adaptable during client residency periods
* Physically fit and able to complete tasks/exercising outside in all weathers
* Full clean UK driving licence
To apply, please send in your CV & Cover letter to Start date will be end of October, with interviews commencing immediately.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31, £36,500.00 per year
Additional pay:
* Loyalty bonuses
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Uniform including riding equipment
* Use of company vehicle during work hours
* Plenty of riding
Schedule:
* 10 hour shift
* Weekend working is required on a rota basis
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Rickmansworth, Buckinghamshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £31,750.00-£36,500.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Rickmansworth West: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* Has experience at handling a variety of horses and ponies
* Has experience in riding horses at elementary level or higher
Experience:
* Equine: 6 years (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person