Ref: JL149100

The Equestrian Affairs Department (EAD) aims to fulfil the Club’s vision to promote riding as a sport and raise participation at all levels, from beginner through to elite. It oversees the management of four equestrian centres, including the Member’s facility at the Beas River Equestrian Centre (BREC) and three public riding schools at Tuen Mun, Pok Fu Lam and Lei Yue Mun. The EAD also manages the Club’s Retired Racehorse Programme, Restart. Operating a dual-site model with racehorse aftercare facilities at both BREC and the Club’s training facility in the Mainland, Conghua Racecourse (CRC).

Restart: https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/english/restart/index.aspx

The RHU Equestrian Rider (RHUER) is responsible for supporting the RHU with the delivery of the retraining programme of retired horses in the Retired Horse Unit (RHU) in Conghua.

Job Description

The RHUER will be based in Mainland China, in Conghua and work daily within a team of RHU Equestrian Riders and the wider RHU stable operations team, as well as in close collaboration with the Veterinary Department and the Retraining Unit at Beas River Retraining Unit (in Hong Kong).  He/she will be responsible for, but not exclusively, the duties listed below.

1. Reporting the Executive Manager, RESTART and Equine Welfare and supporting the Retired Horse Unit Manager
2. Assessing and planning of re-training activity for horses retired from racing
3. Working collaboratively with the Rehab Unit, supporting the rehabilitation plans for horses using the aqua walker, aqua treadmill, cold water spas, horse walkers, spelling etc. Monitor progression and readiness to move to ground work and schooling
4. Working collaboratively with the Retired Horse Unit Manager, Veterinary and Farriery Department as well as the Retraining Unit in BREC. Manage horse injuries and individual recuperation programmes, including horses requiring manual therapy
5. Plan and document appropriate exercise and training programs to progressively adapt the horses to their new careers as equestrian riding horses
6. Undertake daily exercise and training of the horses both under saddle and from the ground
7. Support during veterinary visits and work closely with vet and farrier teams for the management of horses
8. Support the creation and implementation of training programmes that cover variety of work and locations of work for each horse – e.g., schooling, driving, lunging etc.
9. Help with training of the Equestrian Assistants in their work with retraining horses
10. Support RHU office administration and record keeping of retraining horses, creating individual horse progress reports where required.
11. Create reports on each horse to support the ridden assessments of allocating horses to second careers and/or overseas export
12. Contribute to the weekly RHU and RTU vet meetings
13. Cover any administration, or operational tasks assigned by the EMEAP, perform any other tasks as assigned by management.

Qualification requirements

1. be an experienced horse person with a background in handling and riding difficult horses
2. have a good knowledge of training methods for re-schooling horses both under saddle and from the ground
3. have experience of working with thoroughbreds / race horses
4. be a holder of first aid certificate
5. be proficient in Microsoft word and excel
6. be proficient in administration and record keeping of retired horses.

Accommodation details

Provided