About the role
* We are a horse sanctuary with a difference. Whilst we rescue and rehabilitate abused, abandoned and neglected horses and ponies and offer them a security of tenure for life; we also pride ourselves in the work that we then do with the horses within the community.
* This role is much more than just looking after horses. You will become an integral part of our animals' recovery and rehabilitation. Working with rescued horses is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Our horses have come from various situations including abuse, neglect and abandonment and they bring with them sensitivities and trauma that you will work to repair thus creating relationships based around kindness, trust and patience.
* Our method of rehabilitation involves calmness and patience with the horses as they have often suffered at the hands of humans, and we rebuild the trust with them slowly and at each one's individual pace. This tends to create very strong bonds with the team and the horses become willing, reliable and gentle and importantly, safe to introduce to our visitors. We do not ride our horses at Mane Chance, instead we work with them as individuals on a ground level with non-dominance, mutual respect and we run a bespoke method of horse-care which you will be expected to learn and adopt at all times.
* We also do not rehome our herd, offering them a home for life where they can feel safe and loved. This means that you will build lasting relationships with them and look after their long-term wellbeing, working to give them a quality of life that they deserve.
* You will work with our Senior Equine Team ensuring the best possible physical and emotional care of our horses - administering medication, treating minor injuries, performing daily health checks and liaising with our professionals - organising and facilitating veterinary, dentist and trimming visits. You will be asked to contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation and enrichment of our horses and input into equine discussions.
* You will work with our volunteers on a daily basis and lead activities with them, including the daily poo pick, grooming and rehabilitation exercises.
* You will also be required to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the site including routine safety checks, fence repairs and small maintenance tasks, assist in preparing the site for events and open days.
* This is an unusual opportunity to be an influential player in the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, whilst also developing skills in a thriving equine welfare charity.
About you
* You are committed to the welfare of animals. You have confidence working with horses and appreciate the different needs of rescued animals and the desire to learn the approach required to work with them successfully.
* You have great team-working skills and can motivate yourself in a working environment. You can prioritise and delegate tasks, whilst also being flexible to deal with the unexpected that working with animals inevitably brings. You are able to work under instruction but also respectfully lead others and you enjoy contributing to team discussions.
* You are a fit and energetic person - our herds live out in fields and tracks over 80 acres and much of your time is spent out with them in all weathers and by its nature, the role is physically demanding
* You have an interest in natural horsemanship techniques as our horse-care methods are more in line with these than most traditional equine practices, and are prepared to learn, lead and teach our bespoke techniques and policies. You have a desire to rehabilitate animals who have suffered at the hands of humans and wish to spend time building relationships - you will be calm and patient when working with our horses as they need to understand and trust you.
* You also understand that working with horses is much more than spending time with the animals themselves. You are willing to assist with site routine checks, fence repairs and site maintenance tasks to ensure that the charity provides a safe home for our animals, staff and visitors.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: £25,500.00 per year
Application question(s):
* We are looking for someone who has previous experience of working with horses. Please tell us about your experience.
* This role involves working on a regular rota that will include one weekend day. Please confirm that you are happy to work weekends.
* This role involves using driving our vehicles - please confirm that you have a licence to drive.
* This role is based in Compton, Surrey and the working hours are 07:30am until 4:30pm (with breaks). Please confirm that you are able to get to Compton during these times.
Work Location: In person