GROOMS JOBS BOARD

Horse & Pony Assistant Manager

Main purpose & overview of role:

We are looking for an experienced equine assistant manager to join us in a part-time role to assist our Horse & Pony Manager in overseeing the daily care of our 14 horses and ponies, keeping them fit for their role as RDA ponies. The role is offered on an employed basis, amounting to 15 hours a week, incorporating approximately 4 hours on weekday mornings and to include a weekend session.

Salary will be £14 per hour.

The successful applicant will work with our Horse & Pony Manager, our team of volunteers, including the Horse and Pony Welfare Team, Trustees and Session Leaders, to fulfil the following responsibilities and activities.

Safeguarding:

Epsom RDA is committed to safeguarding and the successful applicant(s) will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and references will be taken up in adherence with our Safe Recruitment Policy.

Responsibilities and activities will include:

• Working as part of the team and assisting the Horse & Pony Manager in responding to the needs of the ponies / organisation.

• Working under the supervision of the Horse & Pony Manager,session leaders and the pony welfare team to:

• deliver routine and emergency care of the herd.

• ensure the feeding regime is in place and adhered to and help to maintain supplies.

• administer medication and exercise programmes following processes implemented by the Horse & Pony Manager, veterinarian or other professional advice.

• participate in and ensure consistency and oversight of exercise programmes implemented by the Horse & Pony Manager, including schooling, hacking and groundwork (centre weight limits apply for ridden work).

• ensure that tack is maintained and fit for purpose.

• attend booked professional visits, e.g. farrier, chiropractor, saddler, vet, dentist.

• prepare equines for events.
• Working with the Horse & Pony Manager and volunteer training team to ensure high quality training for our volunteers.
• Working with the property maintenance team to manage grazing.

• Maintaining records, e.g. passports, vaccinations, herd inventory.

• Keeping communication boards up to date.

• Liaison with liveries.

• Any other tasks commensurate with the role and required to ensure the welfare of the equines.

Qualities and experience:

Required:

• Warm, calm, practical, patient, friendly and professional manner.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide audience.

• Ability to teach and educate people in an engaging, practical manner that generates participation.

• Ability to work independently and with our team of session leaders, coaches and volunteers.

• Positive and proactive attitude, with the ability to identify service or efficiency improvements.

• Confident horse handling skills for working in a busy equine yard.

• Comfortable in a dynamic environment where situations can change, requiring a need to adapt.

• At least 2 years yard experience and qualifications equivalent to BHS Level 2 ride and BHS Level 2 horse knowledge and care (or a willingness to study for suitable qualifications).

• Current first aid qualification or commitment to securing one.
• An understanding of safeguarding and a willingness to undergo our safeguarding training.

• If you do not hold the qualifications, a commitment to attaining these qualifications.

• Basic IT skills - an ability to communicate by email and keep electronic records using SharePoint.

• Full driver's licence and access to a car.

Desirable:

• Experience working within the charity sector and volunteer-led organisation.

• Experience working within a disability focused organisation.

• Knowledge of RDA.

A commitment to the role and time required

The role is available for an immediate start, or as soon as possible.

The successful applicant(s) will cover 15 hours per week (approximately 4-hour mornings and to include a weekend session (exact hours are negotiable). Some flexibility to attend outside those hours may be required.

Potential for additional hours for tasks, such as coaching our schooling team (subject to relevant training and qualifications), as agreed by trustees.

Interested?

We encourage potential applicants to come and visit us. Please contactour Horse and Pony Trustee: Allie Philpin - allie.philpin@epsomrda.org.uk

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae to Allie Philpin at allie.philpin@epsomrda.org.uk and copy in info@epsomrda.org.uk along with a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the requirements outlined above.

Applications close on Tuesday 22nd April 2025 at 5.00pm.