Horse Care Team Member
Aylsham, North of Norwich
Full-time permanent contract
40 hrs per week (including weekend working and two late night site checks per month)
Salary range: £20,800.00 (age 18-20) to £25,396.80 (age 21 and over)
Are you seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career in equine care? If so, let us show you what’s possible.
Redwings is one of the largest horse welfare charities in the UK, where everything we do is for the love of the horse. We provide and promote the welfare, care and protection of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Working for us means you can make a real difference in the lives of the horses in our care while being part of a supportive and progressive workplace.
This role is ideal for someone with a genuine passion for horses, who enjoys working in an outdoor environment throughout the year, and values working closely with others as part of a team. Think you’d be a great fit? We’d love to hear from you!
What can we offer you?
1. A busy, supportive, team-working environment
2. Ongoing development through training and mentoring with opportunities for progression
3. Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
4. Premium pay rates on Sundays and Bank Holidays
About the role
This role focuses on providing exceptional care for our resident equines and ensuring high welfare standards are met. There is no riding involved in this role.
Key Responsibilities
Equine Care:
5. Ensure all horses have access to suitable water, feed, and shelter while maintaining hygiene standards.
6. Ensure all horses are settled and contented within their groups, reporting any concerns.
7. Mucking out of stables/shelters, cleaning and refilling water receptacles, and filling and weighing hay nets.
8. Providing of feed and forage, whilst following instructions accurately.
9. Muck clearance on paddocks and woodchips, checking and reporting any hazards.
10. Conduct visual health checks, including for lameness, and report any ailments or needs to senior staff.
11. Administer prescribed medication during your rounds.
12. Catch and hold horses for the farrier and/or veterinary purposes, some of which may be nervous.
13. Groom, trim and bath horses.
14. Apply, fit and check rugs and visors.
15. Assist with or drive horseboxes/trailers for equine transport, subject to training.
16. Operate tractors, paddock sweepers, and other implements, subject to training.
17. Use all horse equipment correctly and effectively.
Communication and Teamwork:
18. Understand the importance of clear and effective communication and keen observation skills.
19. Liaise regularly with your line manager.
20. Demonstrate a thoughtful, proactive and collaborative approach to teamwork.
Person specification
Essential criteria
21. A desire to learn the highest standards of equine care.
22. Ability to prioritise and make intelligent decisions.
23. Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
24. Keen observation skills with a high level of attention to detail.
25. Sound IT skills.
26. Outstanding team player.
27. Flexible approach to tasks and workload.
28. A passion for equine welfare and for Redwings’ values.
29. A full, manual driving licence. We cannot accept an automatic driving licence for this role.
Desirable criteria
30. Sound knowledge and experience in equine care
31. Working for a similar organisation specialising in equine care.
32. Formal qualifications in equine support.
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
This post is subject to safer recruitment processes to ensure effective safeguarding of all those who come in to contact with our charity. The successful applicant will be required to have a DBS check in place before employment is confirmed. If you'd like to apply for this role, please press the Apply Now link below and you'll be taken to the application form.