Equine Jobs with Accommodation: myths, facts and the law

by Kelly Wallace Horne

Equine Jobs with Accommodation - live in horse jobs The team at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment speaks to employers and job seekers every day and we are pleased to find many who are totally clued up about what their entitlements and responsibilities are in relation to horsey job vacancies where accommodation is on offer. There is a lot of noise in the equestrian employment world about it these days and many sources to refer to so correct practice is much easier to achieve than it was. Penalties for getting it wrong are also way harsher which tends to focus minds somewhat in addition!

When everyone is clued up it is, more often than not, a mutually beneficial arrangement where that all important win:win dynamic can make everyone’s life better BUT we do still come across employers and job seekers who have less of an understanding concerning the legal and tax ins and outs of the matter and ned guidance in this respcet.

As a Recruitment Agency, we take our responsibilities here very seriously and, if necessary, Caroline “gets involved” and tries to ensure all parties are aware of the consequences of consciously or unconsciously getting it wrong, and will try to steer them to the right specialists. If things do ‘hit the fan’, it can be financially catastrophic for employers and can leave employees labouring for years on miserably low wages that amount to little more than “pin money” at best!

The provision of accommodation with an equine job can be a grey area for both employers and employees, with so many varying arrangements from yard to yard and job role to job role. Get it wrong and:

At the very least an employer struggles to find and keep staff
The employee loses out on their salary entitlement
In the worst case scenario, the employer and employee find themselves in very hot legal waters with the government authorities!

Here I will attempt to put a complex matter into as simple terms as possible, regarding the provision of accommodation with a job, based on situations regularly seen within the equine industry. By outlining:

The myths
The facts
The law

This article aims to provide basic guidelines but is in no way exhaustive – if you are in doubt about the provision of accommodation with your job it is strongly advisable that take a look at https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-accommodation or that you speak to the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), your accountant, an employment or tax lawyer or, at the very last resort, HMRC or ACAS. Once you have clarity we would generally recommend in the first instance you feedback the details to your employer or employee and give them an opportunity to remedy the situation. If you are an employee, maybe encourage your boss to take proper advice going forward so that they can better safeguard themselves on all such matters.

The consequences of not playing it straight

It may seem a huge faff working out the National Minimum/Living Wage with Accommodation Offset Rates and other benefits which may be costly to the employer but the bottom line is, it’s the law. Just because the equine industry has functioned for years by offering yard staff “all-in-one” salary packages doesn’t mean it is exempt from these laws today. If you are an employee taking a new job, or an employer taking on a new employee, have a read of our article How to negotiate a salary in the equine industry, and make sure both parties are clear on their obligations and agreements before an employment contract is finalised.

The provision of accommodation with an equine job

Equine Jobs with Accommodation - Live in jobs with horses

The Myth:

“I am providing/receiving accommodation as part of the job so the salary package can merely be topped up with a take-home wage. £200 a week on top of decent accommodation with bills paid and livery for a horse is a good deal.”

The Fact:

It is not possible to discuss equine jobs with accommodation without first touching upon salary additions and bonuses. As we discussed in our article Equine Careers: Taking a Horse and pets to a new job, the equine industry presents a somewhat rare opportunity for employees to bring to and/or keep their pets, including horses, at their place of employment. It seems entirely logical for grooms to be offered a salary package which includes accommodation, livery for a horse (or even two), riding lessons, utility bills paid, WIFI and even SKY/Cable TV. If you were to add up the rental value of the accommodation, the utility bills, the provision of bonuses like WIFI/Sky channels, and the stable space and upkeep of a horse, then factor in an additional £150 a week on top, yes, it might seem like a good salary package – but it isn’t necessarily legal.

The National Minimum Wage is always the starting point when working out wages, regardless of benefits and bonuses that are thrown in, and there are very few circumstances where the National Minimum Wage does not apply. Even if you are providing/receiving a generous overall salary package, the National Minimum Wage still applies. Employers and grooms alike owe it to themselves to ensure they know the score when it comes to salary packages and the law.

In 2024, the UK Government is adjusting the age bands for the National Living Wage:

From 1st April 2024 the National Minimum Wage refers to all employees 20> years of age.

From 1st April 2024 the National Living Wage refers to employees 21< years of age.

The Law:

Employers providing accommodation can legally apply ‘Accommodation Offset Rates’ to the National Minimum/Living Wage, but that is all.

It doesn’t matter what the rental value of the property is, how recently it was refurbished, or whether the employee houses a menagerie of animals in there, the law states clearly that employers can only deduct the Accommodation Offset Rate from the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. From 1st April 2024, the offset rate is £9.99 a day/£69.93 per week, which applies to every day that free accommodation is provided, not every day the employee works. The NMW rates are reviewed each year by the Low Pay Commission, which makes recommendations for change to the Government. Every year, from 1st April, the National Minimum and Living Wage rises, and the Accommodation Offset Rate rises too.

National Minimum/Living Wage Rates

April 2024 – March 2025

Apprentice: £6.40 per hour

Under 18: £6.40 per hour

18-20: £8.60 per hour

21 and over: £11.44 per hour

For employers, it’s a criminal offence to not pay someone the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Employers can read more about ensuring they’re staying legal here.

Accommodation Offset Rates

April 2023 – March 2025

£9.99 per day / £69.93 per week

Full details on the provision of accommodation with a job and the Accommodation Offset Rate can be found on the Government website here.

When accommodation is included as part of the salary package

Let’s look at the following job description…

Job A

6 day week
free accommodation (suitable for a couple/family, has a garden, underfloor heating, and Sky TV etc)
bill free – all utility bills are paid
free livery for own horse
£500 weekly, gross

First of all, as previously mentioned, the single occupancy, garden, underfloor heating, and Sky TV, the utility bills and livery for the horse are NOT deductible from the National Minimum Wage. In terms of the gross salary, a 6 day week (let’s say it is an 8 hour day/48 hour week) with a gross weekly wage of £500 works out to £10.41 an hour. It’s clear to see that this wage is under the National Minimum Wage for everyone 21 years or older for 2024-2025.

If we apply the 2024-2025 Accommodation Offset Rate of £69.93 a week, from a legal perspective the gross hourly wage is increased to £11.87, which is above all National Minimum and Living Wage rates.

In a nutshell, in order to stay within the law this job is legal providing the employee lives in the accommodation (on-site or off-site) that is provided for free by the employer – but not if the employee pays a fee to their employer for the accommodation, sources and pays for their own accommodation, or “lives out” in their family home!

Charging employees a fee for accommodation

By law, employers can charge employees as much as they like for work-related accommodation, as long as it doesn’t reduce the employee’s salary below the National Minimum Wage minus the Accommodation Offset Rate. Let’s look at the same job again, but this time the employer pays a higher wage but makes deductions for accommodation…

Job B

6-day week
accommodation available (suitable for a couple/family, has a garden, underfloor heating, and Sky TV etc) to include bills
free livery for own horse
£570 weekly, gross minus £69.93 a week towards the accommodation, should you choose to take it

The increase in salary combined with the £69.93 weekly charge for accommodation presents a similar salary package, it’s just that Job A offers a salary package including accommodation, whilst Job B gives the full salary and deducts the accommodation fee from the employee’s wages. Both methods are perfectly legal, providing everything is declared to HMRC by both parties. What an employer can’t do is pay the salary of Job A then deduct a fee for the provision of the accommodation as well.

When an employee lives out

If a job is advertised as live in or live out the employee is quite within their rights to choose the live out option, either by sourcing and paying for their own accommodation locally or by living at home with family. In this case, the Accommodation Offset Rate cannot be applied to the National Minimum/Living Wage, even if this means the staff accommodation is sitting empty. As an example, the salary for Job A would be illegal for all employees aged 21 years and older, whereas the salary for Job B would be perfectly legal without the deduction for accommodation. The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage MUST be adhered to in order to remain legal, so you cannot pay a live-out groom the salary that is offset against accommodation for live-in employees.

Work in return for accommodation

Occasionally we have employers asking us to advertise a part-time, full-time, or flexi-hours groom vacancy for them with no wage but purely in return for the provision of accommodation. Seems unlikely, yes, but it does happen!

Equine Jobs with Accommodation - the National Minimum Wage Offset Rate

The myth: the employee’s work will fund the family’s accommodation whilst their partner works full time locally to provide a salary. If the employee works part-time or flexi-hours they can supplement their household income by also working part-time elsewhere in their free time. The house has a rental value of say £950-£1850 pcm, so this is an agreeable arrangement for a couple or family, and actually can present a profitable employment opportunity for a part-time or flexi-hour groom.

The law: This arrangement may seem agreeable on paper but it is actually illegal under employment law. As above, there are very few circumstances in which employees are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage, and this isn’t one of them. The same rules apply as a full-time live-in job – the National Minimum/Living Wage and the same Accommodation Offset Rates. Paying utility bills could be a huge grey area – is this included or a chargeable extra?

When accommodation is provided only some of the time

Equine Jobs with Accommodation - staying overnight for a job with horses The Daily Accommodation Offset Rate allows employers to apply a deduction in lieu of accommodation that is not a permanent provision. As an example, let’s look at an equine job with accommodation provided some of the time…

Job C

5-day week
live-out
some overnight shifts in the foaling season
salary: National Minimum Wage

Let’s assume this job is a 40 hour week (7am-1pm / 3.30pm-5.30pm). From April 2024 the gross hourly salary for a 21< year old is £11.44, or £457.60 for a 40 hour week. If during the foaling season the employee regularly lives in from Wednesday to Saturday to foal-watch, the employer is within their rights to deduct £9.99 per day (or night) that the employee inhabits the accommodation. Nothing more. In this instance, the weekly offset rate does not apply, even if no one else uses the accommodation in between times.

Equine jobs with accommodation – tax implications

It is the responsibility of both the employer and employee to ensure that they fully understand the tax implications and exemptions regarding the provision of accommodation with a job.

You can find out more about the type of accommodation you do and don’t pay tax on via the Government website here.

Employers can find out more about tax and National Insurance reporting obligations on the Government website here.

When your employer provides you with living accommodation because of your employment, you must include it in your tax return. HMRC provide help sheets for employees filing their self-assessment forms here.

As an equine recruitment agency, we believe we can have a role to play in our interaction with employers and employees by making accurate advice and resources easily accessible, in the right way, at the right time. We will not advise in detail in areas we are not experts in but we will refer you to associations and specialists who could help in your case more specifically. If you would like free, friendly, impartial, professional advice as a starting point on any aspect of your job hunt or recruitment drive please do contact us.

Employment Law Equine Careers

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Live in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is keen on promoting the equestrian sport and has funded the establishment of four riding schools. Various equestrian activities are held in the schools to promote the sport, including group training classes, horse hiring, taking a horse at livery, visits and competitions. After strict assessment, these schools are the only riding venues recognized by the British Horse Society in Hong Kong. The Equestrian Affairs Department aims to fulfil the Club’s vision to promote riding as a sport and raise participation at all levels, from beginner through to elite. The Beas River Equestrian Centre, being the largest in Hong Kong, houses over 250 horses and provides world class facilities including a riding school, livery yard, competition centre, rehabilitation and retraining unit, as well as a spelling unit for Hong Kong’s racehorses. The Performance Dressage Coach reports to the Senior Manager, Equestrian, delivering specialist dressage coaching and schooling of members’ and Clubs’ horses at the Beas River Equestrian Centre. Duties: Provide high quality dressage coaching to livery clients and more experienced riding school clients School retired racehorses and import livery horses as requested by members Coach fellow staff members to improve their knowledge and skill of schooling horses on the flat Maintain accurate and efficient records to ensure effective monitoring of lessons and associated billing to clients Work with the Senior Manager, Equestrian, Equestrian Affairs Department to develop programs to encourage more participation in dressage in Hong Kong Assist in the assessment of retired racehorses and advise the Retraining Unit where required Select suitable horses for development for use in the discipline of dressage and actively assist in their production Work with the Senior Manager, Equestrian, Equestrian Affairs Department to develop and execute youth programmes to develop talented youngsters in dressage Act as a member of the BREC Show Committee and actively contribute to the management of all horse shows scheduled at BREC including HKEF competitions Perform any other duties as assigned by management Requirements: Should be an experienced dressage rider who has competed to at least Prix St George level Should be an experienced dressage coach, ideally with relevant equestrian coaching qualifications, BHS Qualifications (Performance Coach BHSI) or equivalent Should be flexible and experienced at coaching riders of all levels from introductory to advanced Have an expert knowledge of training methods for schooling a variety of horses both under saddle and from the ground; previous experience of working with thoroughbreds would be advantageous Fluent speaker of English; good understanding of Cantonese will be an advantage Benefits: An attractive package based on a 2 years contract, 6 days/week/48h including: Substantial monthly salary related to qualifications and experience Low level of Taxation in HK Comfortable & Furnished Flat on-site 2 bedrooms Relocation passage and reimbursement allowance Discretionary annual performance bonus subject to performances 15 days annual leave per annum + 17 Public Holidays Standard Mandatory Provident Fund (Pension Scheme) Medical Insurance Annual Allowance for Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) Personnel Development Program (PDP) Contract renewable if

JL123310 Gloucestershire, Stow on the Wolds – Full-time Groom/Rider for Family Yard (hunting/pony club eventing & PC activities).

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Gloucestershire, UK

*Salary IRO £27K-£30 K depending on experience and qualifications *Lovely 3 bed accommodation with garden available *Partner, horse and dog welcomed Friendly, family farm-based yard in the beautiful Cotswolds is now looking for an experienced Groom/Rider/Head Person to help with 9 horses and ponies (1 x 17HH hunter/1 x15.3 HH, 1x retired lead horse, 5 ponies 11HH – 14.2HH & 1x Shetland pony) plus the family’s 4 children (who range from 5-12yrs old). This is a diverse job and the right candidate will be flexible and easy-going. Although capable of being in sole charge, you would equally be happy to work with the owner and discuss daily routines to ensure the best care and smooth running of the yard to a good standard. Help is needed getting ponies ready for lessons and taking the kids out and about in the lorry. Dropping off for trail hunting and collecting again or even joining the family out hunting would also be part of your remit. During the season, the family will Hunt approximately five times per month. In addition, you would be asked to take the children to lessons and assist Mum with the kids out hunting as/when. A decent and lightweight Rider is essential for 1 or 2 rides a day (hacking and/or schooling). Skills to ride/lead too are essential. The owner and children ride very regularly so the load is shared on and off the ground. 😉 You should be able to : Drive a 7.5t lorry Ride/lead Clip, and pull manes and tails to a high standard Demonstrate the knowledge to spot Injuries etc, administer medication & liaise with vets Be organised with ordering bedding and feed. Understand the rudiments of Paddock management – cleaning water troughs, spotting and picking ragwort. Harrowing fields and menage when needed. Offer help with occasional school runs and dog sitting when the family are away. Please contact Caroline & The Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL123305 East Sussex – Groom/ Instructor required by 5* Equestrian Centre

Hurstwood Farm Equestrian Centre

Live in Live out East Sussex, UK

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JL122691 UK based. International Show jumping competition groom role available. UNRIVALLED LEVEL OF REMUNERATION.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out The Home Counties

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JL120223 Scotland, Lanarkshire – Groom/Rider (Eventing/General riding/bringing on younger horses).

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Lancashire, UK

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JL123142 Kent – Live out experienced Home and Competition Dressage Groom.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live out Kent, UK

*Own horse and dog welcomed. *Monthly training clinics on-site by top trainer. * Salary IRO £27,000 pa negotiable depending on experience. *5 or 5.5days a week (flexibility around competitions) Fantastic opportunity for a professional and experienced Home and Competition Dressage Groom. This is a very rarely available position looking after 5 horses, (competing PSG at National & European level), as staff seem to remain with this employer a long time! Sole charge management and care for 11 large, fit dressage horses, 5 out competing regularly. Must be a quiet but confident handler, keen to build a relationship with the horses in their care. You should Be able to hack retired horses. Will be trained on the use of a horse treadmill. You should be able to provide a first-class standard of care, with a high level of attention to detail is essential, perform all aspects of stable management and turn out to a high standard. A sociable person is essential, happy to work on their own but also able to work well with the owner, yard manager and other staff employed. An interest in observing, and supporting the training and production of the owner’s horses is key. Must be able to lunge. 11 stables, individual post and rail turnout, walker, 60×20 arena, 40×20 indoor arena, water treadmill, solarium, wash down bays, tack room, beautiful setting. The start date is flexible around the end of December/Beginning of January 2025 Please contact Caroline & The Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Hertfordshire, UK

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JL123106 Warwickshire – Experienced / capable Yard manager/Groom/Rider. (P2P, hunters, youngstock).

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Warwickshire, UK

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JL123084 Berkshire – Yard manager required for private Estate (Family yard).

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Berkshire, UK

*Negotiable salary package IRO £27k-£30K pa * Live out person preferred but unfurnished accommodation on site available if required (partner welcome) *Dog welcomed *Great facilities (menage/gallops/walker etc plus 1000+ acres of hacking). A varied role setting & maintaining high standards for yard & horse management, maintenance, staff management, grooming, and riding on a 1000+acre family estate. Ability/experience to instruct adults and children is essential. Must be able to drive a 7.5t lorry This is a role which would suit a good communicator with sound interpersonal skills and a level of maturity is essential . You must enjoy and be good with children/visitors to the estate/owners/yard and estate staff etc. The ability to turn out to a good standard and school horses is essential and the experience of maintaining horses and ponies to the level they need to be at for the riders involved with safety should be at the forefront of your riding endeavours. Two other Grooms are employed so a friendly management style and a hands-on/team player style are critical to harmony. Knowledge of first aid is vital to the role. A key part of the job would involve being proactive in organising and planning in advance for family leisure rides on the large estate and this involves being responsible for the children on such occasions as well as their parents and visitors. This will involve liaising with security and the maintenance team on site. You would be expected to develop a knowledge of all the rides on the estate and to keep things fresh, finding new ones. The family have a second yard/estate elsewhere so from time to time you would need to liaise with the yard manager to move horses and kit depending on the demand. Please contact Caroline & The Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL120171 Northern Ireland, County Down – Experienced Show Jumping show/home groom position

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Down

*Salary IRO £26k pa, negotiable depending on experience (more for HGV licence holder) *Onsite accommodation, bills included *Own horse possible *Pets possible *Partner considered Experienced person with show experience and capable of sole charge required to join a small, friendly, family SJ team with horses of all ages from youngsters to competition horses. Thorough horse care is essential as the love and care of the horses are very important to the family. The Rider competes up to and including 1.40m. Ideally, you will take pride in your work and working environment and be able to perform all the usual jobs to a very high standard. All general yard duties home and away: Muck out/Clip and plait /Tack up etc/Travel to and stay away at shows etc Experience with young horses would be a bonus. as would working with and handling fit competition horses. Hacking is available if interested. No riding otherwise required but good facilities for you & your horse if you have one. A car and trailer licence is essential, (26t lorry and 3,5t), a massive bonus would be an HGV licence. Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL121177 Northern Ireland – Short Term Contract for Show Jumping show/home groom position.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Down

*Salary prorate IRO £26k pa, negotiable depending on experience (more for HGV licence holder) *Onsite accommodation, bills included *Own horse possible *Pets possible *Partner considered Experienced person with show experience and capable of sole charge required to join a small, friendly, family SJ team with horses of all ages from youngsters to competition horses. Thorough horse care is essential as the love and care of the horses are very important to the family. The Rider competes up to and including 1.40m. Ideally, you will take pride in your work and working environment and be able to perform all the usual jobs to a very high standard. All general yard duties home and away: Muck out/Clip and plait /Tack up etc/Travel to and stay away at shows etc Experience with young horses would be a bonus. as would working with and handling fit competition horses. Hacking is available if interested. No riding otherwise required but good facilities for you & your horse if you have one. Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL122962 North Yorkshire – Independent School requires Part Time Groom/Rider

Queen Mary’s School

Live out North Yorkshire, UK

Job Description The Groom’s role is a multi-faceted position and duties are predominantly undertaken in the Riding Centre. Grooms require dedication, attention to detail and an enthusiasm to work with children and horses. This is an incredibly rewarding position if you have the ability to work under pressure and carry out physically demanding tasks. Flexibility and good communication skills are essential as the role can include early mornings, late nights and weekends. A love for horses and an ability to ride are essential and you will be prepared to work outdoors in all weathers. Daily Duties will include: Care and feeding of ponies and horses, including mucking out stables, replacing bedding Mixing feeds, soaking hay, feeding and watering horses and ensuring their overall general health is in good order Grooming, cleaning, brushing and clipping the horses coats Checking for changes in the horse’s condition and reporting problems immediately to the Riding Centre Manager Following any instructions from the Vets or Riding Centre Manager when treatment is needed Checking horses that are turned out, bringing in from fields etc. Tacking up the ponies, ensuring they are ready and on time for their lessons and un-tacking after lessons Daily tack cleaning and washing equipment Assisting pupils on the yard with their duties Helping other members of the Riding Centre with riding activities Assist with the general maintenance of the yard, to ensure a safe environment. This includes the sweeping of the yard and entrance area Poo Picking the fields As a groom you will also have responsibilities around the yard and premises to keep everything functioning at a high level for the horses. This may include but is not limited to: Cleaning the gutters and drains to ensure rainwater run-off is contained Repairing fencing as needed Repairing water troughs as required Some gardening work, weeding, clearing overgrown hedges Cleaning out stables and washing the boxes out Painting stabling / fencing General housekeeping of Riding office, toilet blocks etc. to keep tidy for pupils, parents, staff and visitors Minimum Requirements Candidates will: Be knowledgeable about the care of horses Be able to ride to a reasonably high standard Be aware of health and safety issues Have stamina and fitness Have the ability to work alone and also as part of a team Be willing to undertake routine, practical tasks Hours of Work: Part Time (25 Hours per week) Monday 12:00noon – 19:30 Friday 07:30 – 12:00noon Saturday 07:30 – 17:00 Sunday 08:00 – 11:00 and 16:00 – 18:00 or 09:00 – 15:00 Accommodation details No accommodation is provided Benefits Fee remissions, subject to criteria Free meals during Term Time Free parking Pension

JL121645 Dorset Head person (Groom/rider) – Mixed discipline family yard.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Dorset, UK

*Negotiable package from £28,000 – £30,000 pa with a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom cottage with garden available *Partner/Dog/Horse welcomed *5 or 5.5 day week (with flexibility for hunting). A fun, energetic, enthusiastic and responsible person is required for this busy & very lively family 😉 You need to be a team person and willing to run the yard with help from the family. 7.5t lorry driver essential Knowledge of polo is important, hunters less so but eventing, schooling, jumping are also important. Knowledge of young stock would be a bonus. All hunt, son plays polo and daughter pony club polo and local event/showjumping. Looking for good standards of turnout and a competent rider. Would like someone who can ride everything from the 15h to 17h Not a job for a novice rider as these fit and healthy horses will know what’s what! Be great if the successful candidate was happy to dog sit sometimes. Easy barn- style pens vs stables on a deep litter system, water drinkers, horse walker. Horses are out as much as possible. No menage Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL120307 Professional Home based Grooms for top Dressage barn. Performance horse experience a must.

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd

Live in Live out Bedfordshire, UK

JL118613 Bedfordshire – Professional Home based Grooms for top Dressage barns. Performance horse experience a must. £32K+ neg. pa *Salary £32K+ totally neg. pa *Lovely modern accommodation with own ensuite – No bills or accommodation charge (photos available) *Private healthcare and workplace pension *Best working conditions. 🙂 Are you someone who is well used to being out and about at competitions but now wants more time at home but in a yard where standards and experience are prized and rewarded? 🙂 An experienced Groom is required, capable of sole charge and have good knowledge of first aid/leg care/professional standards etc). You would be able to work within a happy team or go it alone when needed. If you still have loads of energy and initiative then this could be for you. Stallion experience is ideal but not essential, top-level performance horse experience is critical to the role. 500 acres of parkland, paddocks and equestrian facilities. Indoor Arena, International size Outdoor Arena, Cross Country Course, Barn Style Competition Stables, a Café (50% off) and much, much more. Currently in the process of installing a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility. Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

JL12966 Longcross, Surrey – Live out Groom/Rider required For a VIP family yard on a private estate.

UKME (VIP Private Estate)

Live out Surrey, UK

Job Description We are currently looking for a high calibre, professional Groom to join our high performing operations teams in Longcross, Surrey on a one year fixed term basis. Details As a Groom your responsibilities will include: · Exercising a variety of horses on a daily basis · Mucking out · Turning out · Grooming · Assisting children with their riding · Ensuring the yard is cleaned and maintained to a high standard This role is for a minimum of 40 hours per week and includes weekends. To be successful for the position you must: · Have previous groom/yard experience · Be a strong rider · Have strong communication skills · Have a keen interest in horses and horse care · Have the ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week (including weekends) · Have your own transport Reward Maximum of 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) Uniform Company pension scheme Private healthcare Voluntary benefits including exclusive savings plus discounted health and leisure benefits Referral scheme

JL108546 Hampshire – Live in Groom/Rider (optional) for family-run Livery Yard

Headley Stud

Live in Hampshire, UK

Job Description We are a really friendly, relaxed & professional yard and are looking for an experienced groom to join our small team of 5 grooms. This is a live in position. We provide individual accommodation with all bills included. We have superb 5 star equestrian facilities. The applicant must be friendly, approachable, adaptable, be confident handling large competition horses and happy to work well in a team. We pride ourselves on the amazing, friendly environment that we have created for both humans and horses. We have 28 horses ranging from our beautiful little ponies through to large warmbloods, plus friends/clients keep their horses with us who are from various different disciplines. We have a fantastic group of staff, clients and horses which creates a fun, friendly & professional atmosphere. Day to day duties will include general yard duties – mucking out, keeping the yard organised and tidy, poo picking, grooming the horses, late night checks, plus some riding (but not essential) We are looking for someone who has a good work ethic, works well within a team, is fun yet professional and has a high standard of care, the horses needs must be top priority. We offer a 5 day week, to include regular weekend days off. Pension, 28 days holiday and a good wage. Minimum Requirements Must be confident handling large horses Accommodation details Self contained flat with air conditioning. No bills or rent. Benefits Optional Pension Scheme 28 days holiday 5 day week

JL122086 Hampshire, Winchester – Live Out Equine Coach required to join College Equine Team

Sparsholt College Hampshire

Live out Hampshire, UK

£23,088 – £26,229 per annum (pro rata if part year) (depending on experience and qualifications) £2,000 fte Recruitment Attraction Payment (pro rata if part time or part year) Full and Part year Exciting opportunities have arisen to join the Sparsholt College Equine Team. Working under the guidance of the Equine Centre Manager we are looking for coaches to join the current team. The post holder will be involved in the planning and delivery of equestrian coaching and practical skills for our Further Education equine students and commercial riding activity. The post holder will have attained a minimum of BHS stage two teach and be willing to attain BHS stage three. The majority of the working hours for this role will be undertaken in normal College hours but may include some weekend and evening cover. Closing Date: 7 October 2024

JL103889 Home Groom Position | Olympic Eventing Yard | Leicestershire

Hoy Enterprises Ltd

Live in Live out Leicestershire, UK

Job Description We are looking for a Home / Yard Groom to join our team of amazing people from around the world. We are a boutique operation – a competition yard with international sport horses at the top level. We are here to win medals – not to sell horses. Attention to detail, good communication skills, willigness to listen, learn and adapt and a ‘High Performance Mindset’ are important to us. Experience is secondary – skills can be aquired, it is the attitude that counts. Minimum Requirements We are looking for candidates who have worked in the environment of a professional yard before – no matter what discipline – and who understand the requirements and demands of a top sporthorse yard. Accommodation details Shared Accomodation is available on Site – individual bedroom/bathroom. Candidates who wish to live out are also welcome. Benefits Free Accomodation with all bills paid for (Council Tax, Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) for Candidates who wish to live on site. 28 Days Holidays, Employer subsidised Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, etc. are provided and part of the standard package for everyone within our team.

Equine Jobs with Accommodation: myths, facts and the law

by Kelly Wallace Horne

The consequences of not playing it straight

The provision of accommodation with an equine job

The Myth:

The Fact:

The Law:

National Minimum/Living Wage Rates

Accommodation Offset Rates

When accommodation is included as part of the salary package

Charging employees a fee for accommodation

When an employee lives out

Work in return for accommodation

When accommodation is provided only some of the time

Equine jobs with accommodation – tax implications

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