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Employing an Apprentice Groom – Grooms of the Future Part 1

Employing an Apprentice Groom – Grooms of the Future Part 1

It’s reasonable to conclude the pool of experienced grooms wanting to remain working with horses and available to us is diminishing as the years pass. There are also many other now, well documented reasons to add to this natural order of things all of which exacerbates this shrinkage.

Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - Peter Pan

For everyone who isn’t employing Peter Pan, we need to do more now within our industry to harness the alternative, emerging source of Grooms/Riders for the future. Working together, to validate becoming a groom as a credible and constructive career choice, we can make the future brighter for ourselves, our yards, our horses and of course future generations of equestrians.

Trainee grooms, including apprentices, are a lifeblood of our industry and the ins and outs of employing them needs much more consideration than they currently get – the yard junior, the trainee and of course the official and safeguarded version of the working pupil, the apprentice groom, are the future. What we all invest today could reverse the sometimes depressing current trends in the industry for tomorrow.

Like a lot of regulated things these days, covering all angles, by necessity, does seem to present a final framework that is somewhat convoluted and mind-boggling. The hoops you have to apparently jump through can leave one open-mouthed and often we are just too busy to untangle this information.

I have asked Kelly Wallace Horne, who has extensive equestrian experience, her own digital marketing business and a mind for disentanglement, to intensively research this subject via the proper channels, to distil the nuts and bolts of the information you need, into a definitive user-friendly guide to employing an Apprentice Groom.

If you are sitting comfortably with a large glass/cup of whatever keeps you awake and concentrating, please do read on. We hope you will be glad you did and that you will share this info to anyone you think might benefit from it –  OUR EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY DESPERATELY NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

Caroline

 


 A basic guide to employing an apprentice groom

by Kelly Wallace Horne

In 2018, vacancies for apprentices suddenly rose by 15% across the UK. Gaining qualifications whilst gaining paid working experience simultaneously is an agreeable arrangement for learners and employers alike. Equine apprenticeships offer an almost perfect arrangement for both the employer and the learner – rather than take years for a learner to gain knowledge, qualifications and then paid working experience, learners can achieve all these simultaneously, and are available to employers willing to invest, right now! Student grooms can learn the ropes directly within a fully functioning livery, eventing, dressage, racing yard, stud etc. and learn from the very people who would employ them post-graduation, giving young, less experienced grooms, and those wishing to gain a formal equine qualification the perfect foundation for a successful career within the equine industry.

 

Building the equine industry of tomorrow, today!

Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - Building an equine careerIn our article How to Recruit an Everyday Super Groom, Caroline draws upon her experience as a specialist equine recruiter to advise equine employers on the rudiments of finding and employing a good groom, and in doing so she outlines the type of groom every employer wants to find and keep. One of the key points is finding a groom with the skills and experience relevant to the job being applied for. The majority of equine employers will agree that finding grooms that meet all of the criteria Caroline lays out is becoming increasingly difficult as the years pass but what are we, as employers and recruiters, doing to proactively address this situation?

The bottom line is, unless employers give inexperienced grooms the opportunity to learn, and grow their equine career, the equine industry will inevitably struggle more and more as the years pass. Employing apprentice grooms is probably a key factor in keeping the cogwheels of the equine industry turning for years to come.

 

Is employing an apprentice groom right for my yard?

In order to answer this question, we must first separate truth from perception regarding the employment of apprentice grooms.  Caroline reports that currently, employers seem to fall into a few categories:

  • Employers who see the potential in apprentice grooms and embrace the opportunity and prospects they present.
  • Employers who don’t understand the benefits of employing an apprentice groom or who are put off by the apparent red tape and bureaucracy that surrounds their employment.
  • Employers with an equestrian establishment in which an apprentice groom isn’t a practical or appropriate option.
  • Employers who see an Apprentice/Working Pupil/Trainee Groom/Junior Groom as a source of cheap labour – whilst this may appear to achieve an immediate solution, sooner or later these employers will come unstuck, and they really do nothing to enhance the prospects of grooms and the equine industry for the future!

Before deciding for or against employing an apprentice groom we strongly advise you to read this overview and think about the benefits to both your yard and the future of the equine industry as a whole.

 

Equine Apprenticeships in a nutshell

  • Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - Equine Qualifications

    An employee of any age can apply for and be employed as an apprentice groom.*

  • The apprentice groom can already have paid experience as a groom, and they aren’t necessarily school-leavers or inexperienced with horses.*
  • An existing member of staff can become your apprentice if they wish to gain a formal qualification via an apprenticeship.
  • Apprenticeship courses are supported/provided by training organisations, such as a local college or a specialist equine training provider.*
  • The employer must arrange and provide the apprenticeship course for prospective apprentices to apply for. This is arranged via the training organisation (e.g. a local college or training provider.)*
  • Apprenticeships require funding, which is provided by the Government and paid directly to the training organisation (conditions apply – please read on…).*
  • The employer must organise all funding for the apprenticeship course, not the apprentice. This is arranged via the training organisation.*
  • Equine apprenticeships usually consist of 2 or 3 levels.
  • Employers can offer/learners can choose a variety of courses, riding or non-riding, from Horse Care to Veterinary Care to an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence and others in between.
  • Apprenticeship courses usually take around 12-24 months to complete.
  • “Apprentice” is an official employment status.*
  • The National Minimum Wage rates include an hourly wage for apprentices (conditions apply – please read on…)
  • Employers are not liable for NI contributions whilst the employed apprentice is under 25 years of age.*
  • Apprentices can live in or live out, just like any other equine groom.

*As advised by the National Apprentice Service

OK, so apprentice grooms aren’t all school-leavers or inexperienced with horses, and apprenticeships are a pretty good thing for everyone, but before heading off to arrange to take on an apprentice it’s a very good idea to make sure you are well informed of the finer details – of which there are a few!

 

Article continues below…

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Employing an Apprentice Groom – the finer details

As with any employed status, you must adhere to strict regulations when it comes to employing, paying and providing learning opportunities to your apprentice groom.  There is no concise way of even outlining them, but I will try!

 

Paying your Apprentice Groom

1. Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - SalaryThe National Minimum Wage for an Apprentice is £5.28 an hour.

2. The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices doesn’t apply to Apprentices aged 19yrs or more in their second year of an Apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19yrs or more in their second year must receive the age-related National Minimum Wage not the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices. As soon as a second-year Apprentice turns 19 years old you must adjust their salary accordingly.

3. The employer must pay the Apprentice for learning hours as well as working hours, whether on the yard or at a college.

4. Apprentices are subject to The Working Time Regulations 1998 the same as any other employee. By law, an apprentice aged 16-17 years old can only work up to 40 hours a week over a 5-day week and the apprentice must have 2 consecutive days off. An apprentice over 18 years of age will usually work a minimum of 30 hours a week but to the strict maximum of 48 hours a week – including overtime. Days off do not need to be consecutive.

5. The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices only applies from the official start date of the agreed Apprenticeship course. If an Apprentice Groom starts working for you before the start date of the official apprenticeship course you must pay them the appropriate age-related National Minimum Wage for this time, not the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices.

6. As with any other employee in the equine industry, the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices must be paid in addition to livery for their own horse, riding lessons etc. The only legal deduction made is the Accommodation Offset Rate set by the Government (£9.10 per day / £63.70 a week, 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024). Any other agreements “thrown in” must never be used to make up a salary package to meet the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices, they must be provided in addition to this hourly wage.

7. Employers are not liable for National Insurance Contributions for Apprentices under 25 years of age.

8. There is no such thing as an unofficial “Apprenticeship” and you cannot apply the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices to any other job role. A groom that you take on with the agreement that you will train them must be paid the appropriate age-related National Minimum Wage.  An Apprenticeship is both a formal job AND a training course which leads to a nationally recognised qualification and is supported by a local college or official training provider.

The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices, age-related National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates are the minimum you must legally pay an employee. It is not a guideline and it is not a suggested hourly wage. Paying a higher hourly rate is likely to encourage longevity and a lower turnover of staff at your yard.

 

Other employment conditions for Apprentice Grooms

1. Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - Riding and Non-Riding CoursesYou must offer apprentices the same conditions as other employees working at a similar standard or in similar roles. This includes:

  • paid holidays
  • sick pay
  • any benefits you offer such as childcare voucher schemes
  • any support you offer such as coaching or mentoring

2. The Apprentice must study within their statutory working week and not after working hours.

3. You must give your Apprentice(s) a contract of employment and they must be employed in a real job that gives them the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to pass their assessment. You can read more on this matter here.

4. Employing an apprentice groom is subject to anti-discrimination laws, just as with any other employment status.

 

Getting funding for your Apprentice’s training

Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - get fundingI am advised by the National Apprentice Helpline that in 2017 the Government changed the way funding is provided to cover an apprentice’s training fees. Previously there was what appeared to be a somewhat complicated funding structure according to the age of the apprentice, but this is now simplified greatly.

To understand what funding is available to you as an employer of an apprentice you can follow the answers to this simple question:

 

Is your annual pay bill more than £3m/do you employ more than 50 staff?

Yes

You’ll have to pay the “apprenticeship levy”, which means you’ll receive some funds to spend on training and assessing your apprentices, and the government will add 10%. How you get your funds and pay for training depends on which country in Great Britain you’re in.*

No

It’s fair to say that most equine employers wont fall into the bracket that requires you to pay the apprenticeship levi. This means:

  • if you employ an apprentice aged 16-18 years you can receive 100% funding from the Government*
  • if you employ an apprentice aged 19 or over you can receive 95% funding from the Government which will be paid directly to the training organisation. As the employer, you are liable for the remaining 5% of the course fees, which you will need to arrange to pay to the training organisation. You could be eligible for extra funding depending on both yours and your apprentice’s circumstances.*

*As advised by the National Apprentice Service

 

Next steps in employing an apprentice groom

Employing an Apprentice Groom - the Grooms of the Future - The next step for employersThe first step to take is to find an appropriate training organisation, which you can find out more about here. Employers can browse appropriate apprenticeship training organisations via this link.

The National Apprentice Service can also put you in contact with local training organisations to provide the training course and assessments for your apprentice groom. They are the division within the Government that deals solely with apprenticeships in Great Britain. They don’t have a specific website but you can call them on the freephone number 0800 015 0600 or you can make an enquiry via this form.

See the course options available for employers to offer Apprentices in our article https://thegroomslist.co.uk/equine-apprenticeships-course-options/

 

Futher information on employing an apprentice groom

If you would like assistance and/or advice regarding finding apprentice grooms or apprentice vacancies in the equine industry please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Advertise your apprentice groom vacancy on The Grooms List via this link.

Search The Grooms List for an apprentice groom via this link.

Find more information and advice on recruiting and employing grooms in the equine industry via this link.

 

Get FREE equine recruitment advice

Both employers and jobseekers alike, if you would like free, friendly, no obligation recruitment advice from Caroline please do get in touch!

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the information they are working to is correct and appropriate for their specific circumstances.

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Job Description Full time job/Live in Join us in Powys on the Shropshire border. We are a friendly small team at a private home. We require someone to look after & take pride in the grounds & gardens in the Summer. Who’s also confident to help the girls with stable work in our family 7 Horse Hunting Yard in the Winter. Opportunity to ride out. Maintenance & General help in the houses & grounds. Dog walking – must love dogs! Occasional driving. Accommodation is a cottage on site Well behaved dog welcome Minimum Requirements Lawn Mowing & Gardening experience Worked on horse yards before   Accommodation details A private 2 Bed 2 Bath Cottage on site (only suitable for one person as the 2nd bedroom needs refurbishment) Private courtyard & good size storage shed Well behaved dog is welcome  
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Job Description We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team on a full time basis as a head groom/yard manager. The job will include usual groom duties and management of up to 10 fit dressage horses of varying ages. The role would suit a driven, positive and ambitious individual that wants to work in the dressage industry. Lovely accommodation available on site but can be live out if very local. Right candidate able to bring own horse. Job includes running the yard and all usual groom duties (preparation for shows including plaiting) as well as overseeing horses schedules and management. The right candidate must have experience working on a professional competition yard and uphold the highest standards. It would be a real bonus if applicant has HGV licence and experience driving lorries. We’re really looking for someone who wants to become a key member of the team and loves what they do. We currently have a lovely, small team of staff, so you must be able to work well with others. Most importantly, the top priority is finding someone that loves the horses like they are their own and is invested in their journeys. Would suit someone who only wants to groom or equally someone that wants small amount of riding eg young rider wanting to gain experience and receive training. Minimum Requirements Ideally experience working on yard competing at FEI International level (dressage if possible) Confident with fresh, fit horses UK driving license   Accommodation details Accommodation available on site. Private bedroom with ensuite (shower and bath) in modern communal flat shared with 2 other event grooms. Lovely shared kitchen and washing facilities. Dogs and partner allowed at extra cost.  
Job Description We are looking for another member for the Team. This is an opportunity to join a forward thinking dynamic team that provide top class riding holidays for people from all over the world. Attitude and happy personality essential. Must be able to ride to a high standard, must be able to be responsible for guests out on hacks. Must be willing to help with stable cleaning 2 days a week. Must clean horses and tack and if required help with novice guests. Please only apply if you have a European passport The position is until the end of October The applicant will have a full Spanish contract and pay tax on the above amounts.   Minimum Requirements MUST HAVE A EUROPEAN PASSPORT Must be able to drive. Must ride to a high standard – laterals Must be a kind rider. Must be responsible and quiet in the stables   Accommodation details Private accommodation with bathroom   Benefits Tips, food car available for local journeys  
Job Description Perform daily stable yard and field duties, including feeding, handling, and grooming horses. Muck out and clean stables to a high standard. Report any horse ailments, infections, or injuries to the Head Groom immediately. Administer necessary treatments to horses as directed. Exercise allocated horses daily through lunging, hacking, schooling, or track cantering. Safely lead fit horses, including stallions. Check and maintain the safety and serviceability of all equipment, reporting any repairs needed. Ensure riding arenas are clean and tidy at the end of each day. Transport horses as required. Assist in client activity preparation tasks and riding activities, following correct procedures. To buddy with new starters as part of their induction. Any tasks or responsibilities as requested by management within the scope of the position.   Knowledge and Skills: Experience working as a Groom (Essential) Experience in horse care (Essential) Ability to ride to BHS Stage 2 standard (Desirable) Clean driving licence (Essential) Experience working with children (Desirable) Equine qualification (Desirable).   Accommodation details Live in accommodation available or live out
Job Description Perform daily stable yard and field duties, including feeding, handling, and grooming horses. Muck out and clean stables to a high standard. Report any horse ailments, infections, or injuries to the Head Groom immediately. Administer necessary treatments to horses as directed. Exercise allocated horses daily through lunging, hacking, schooling, or track cantering. Safely lead fit horses, including stallions. Check and maintain the safety and serviceability of all equipment, reporting any repairs needed. Ensure riding arenas are clean and tidy at the end of each day. Transport horses as required. Assist in client activity preparation tasks and riding activities, following correct procedures. To buddy with new starters as part of their induction. Any tasks or responsibilities as requested by management within the scope of the position.   Knowledge and Skills: Experience working as a Groom (Essential) Experience in horse care (Essential) Ability to ride to BHS Stage 2 standard (Desirable) Clean driving licence (Essential) Experience working with children (Desirable) Equine qualification (Desirable).  
We’re looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Yard Manager to take the lead on our day-to-day yard operations and support our horses, riders, and team. This is a hands-on, leadership role for someone who loves being in the thick of it, is confident managing others, and has a true passion for horse welfare and stable management. As Yard Manager, your duties will include: Taking full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the yard Ensuring all horses are healthy, well looked after, and prepared for daily lessons Overseeing the grooming, feeding, turnout, and medical care routines Managing feed and bedding supplies, as well as record-keeping for horse health and farrier/vet schedules Leading, mentoring and organising junior staff, volunteers and apprentices Upholding high standards of cleanliness, safety and yard presentation Communicating with riding instructors to ensure smooth operation of lessons and horse allocation We’re after someone who is: Experienced in yard and horse management (minimum 2–3 years in a similar role) Knowledgeable and confident in handling a variety of horses A calm and kind leader with great people skills Reliable, self-motivated, and organised Committed to the highest standards of equine care Comfortable working in a busy yard environment and able to adapt to the day’s challenges Ideally BHS qualified (or equivalent experience) We believe in supporting our team and rewarding hard work. As part of your role at MA Equestrian, you’ll receive: Staff riding opportunities – keep up your riding with our wonderful horses Ongoing training and professional development A warm and welcoming team environment Possibility to stable your own horse Beautiful countryside setting Real opportunities to shape the role and grow within the business Full-time position with a flexible rota, including weekends and some evenings
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Job Description Daily stable duties – grooming, feeding and handling to a high standard of turnout Lead horses to their stables, and to the field, must be confident in dealing with fit excitable horses Check horses for common injuries, ailments and infections Mucking out to ensure the stables are clean and maintained Daily exercising of the horses Confident handling of stallions on the yard as well as riding Assisting the children with riding activities Minimum Requirements BHS Level 1   Accommodation details Live in accommodation available or live out  
*Salary negotiable from £27,936.48 – £32k pa  *Accommodation available on site(ideally sized for one persom but partner considered).  *Own horse possible *Scope for some free time during the day Small, friendly showjumping yard with great facilities looking for someone to take charge and care for five horses (ranging from 5 years to 14 14yrs). All usual yard duties, tacking up, washing off, tack cleaning, clipping, and getting horses show ready. Travel to shows home and abroad, so must be flexible to this with a current, valid passport. Exercise riding/hacking available or non-rider ok. For more details and/or to apply, please call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com
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Job Description We’re looking to add an additional show groom to our team. The position is to join a nice team of 3-4 others, live in, and the ability to travel to national and international shows. All daily yard duties with a focus on being a traveling show groom. 6 days a week with a fixed day off, PTO included. Minimum Requirements Some previous experience preferred, HGV license a major plus but not necessity.   Accommodation details Very modern and well equipped house on the yard. Each room has their own en suite and plenty of space. All utilities included in salary.   Benefits A fun, relaxed and professional team. Respectful of scheduled hours when at home. Starting salary can be discussed in relation to prior experience.  
*£27,936.48 gross per annum (pay own electricity) *5.5 days a week/40 hrs *warm, cosy 1-bed apartment *Dog welcomed *Lots of riding on big, fit hunters *Out of season much less work to do with the horses so hours shorter/easier. Lovely position available on a well-established, traditional family hunt yard within a beautiful estate. Ideally, you will be able to turnout well and be able to clip, plait (sew plaits) etc Fun, professional team renowned for being great at what they do. You will work hard but be treated well and have a very rewarding job! The position involves riding and grooming duties to a good standard. Lots of riding is available with hunting, you must be a strong, confident, good jockey and understand hunting etiquette. You will be required to educate and introduce new and younger horses out in the field. Horses ranging from 15.2-18.2HH who are fit and well with young hunters in the mix! Great facilities/menage/lunge pen/500 acres/excellent hacking. The setting is beautiful within the grounds of a grand country house not far from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
*IRO £30k pa pro rata plus accommodation and bills for on-site accommodation if required * Opportunity to travel to competitions (steady level not full on professional schedules!) *5-day week. Small, well-behaved dog welcomed. If you are between eventing jobs or looking to step up from another discipline, this could be one for you for a season or more. Lovely position to work alongside an owner/2* Event Rider and other team members . The horses kept include 1 x 100/novice horse, 2 young event horses about to start their careers, and an older 2* event horse currently rehabbing from a tendon injury, plus 2 retirees. Riding is optional. You should be able to: Work in a team and take some sole charge Perform all aspects of stable management. Provide a first-class standard of care, with a high level of attention to detail. Pls call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com  
*Salary IRO £28-£32K pa depending on experience *Every other weekend off/5.5 day week * Accommodation shared with one other currently in 4 bed home with garden 2 miles away in a lovely village *Dog welcomed Based not too far from the M4, in a lovely and popular part of Wiltshire, this is a great opportunity for an experienced Stud hand to step up to Stud Groom or for an experienced Stud Groom. You would be working with a lovely Team of 6/7 people under the guidance of the Stud Manager and Owner of this medium-sized Thoroughbred Stud. Foaling experience useful of course but doesn’t need to be extensive. The yard is home to a teaser stallion and approximately 70 thoroughbred horses of all ages. No groundworks are required as someone is employed to do all paddock maintenance, keep the Stud fencing in order etc. No sitting up is required. General: The Stud does a lot of sales preparation and consigns to all the major Yearling and Breeding Stock Sales in England and to some sales abroad. The Stud has permanent boarding broodmares and rears youngstock through until their Sales Preparation or they go into training. The Stud offers rest and recuperation for horses that need a break or are recovering from injury. The Stud offers pretraining. Good facilities amongst 130 acres with restricted and All-Weather turnout available, a 2.5 furlong railed circular all-weather gallop, two covered Claydon horse walkers and a Polytrack Lunge ring & of course, foaling boxes equipped with CCTV For more details and/or to apply, Pls call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com
We are 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 257 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 Equestrian Rider will report daily to the Retraining Unit Officer and in collaboration with the Senior Equestrian Trainer of the Retraining Unit.  He/she will be responsible for, but not exclusively, the duties listed below, 6 days a week. Job Description Reporting daily to the Retraining Unit Officer & Senior Equestrian Trainer Assist with the assessment and planning of re-training activity for horses recently retired from racing Plan & document appropriate exercise and training programs to progressively adapt the horses to their new careers as riding horses Undertake daily exercise and training of the horses both under saddle and from the ground Assist where necessary during the Veterinary Surgeon’s visits and work closely with vet and farrier teams for the management of horses Implement training programmes that cover variety of work and locations of work for each horse – eg. hacking, driving, lunging, jumping on grass, arena, roads and tracks etc Help train and supervise the Equestrian Assistants in their work with retraining horses Cover any day-to-day exercise schedules planning and administration, or operational tasks assigned by the Retraining Unit Officer in his absence, perform any other tasks as assigned by management. Minimum Requirements An experienced horse person with a background in handling and riding difficult horses Have a good knowledge of training methods for re-schooling horses both under saddle and from the ground Have experience of working with thoroughbreds / race horses Team player but able to work on own initiative Preferably be a fluent speaker of English; good communication of Cantonese will be an advantage Holder of first aid certificate Highly experienced rider with patience and empathetic riding style Highly knowledgeable in the rehabilitation of racehorses and willing to work closely with vets and farriers for remedial work alongside prescribed treatment of equine sports injuries. Proven capability to train ex-racehorses from restarting up to competing in low level dressage, jumping and cross country. Strong client relations skills & customer service work ethic 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
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 257 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 Senior Equestrian Coach will work in close partnership with Equestrian Center Manager report to the Senior Manager, Equestrian.  He/She will be responsible for, but not exclusively, the duties listed below. Job Duties: Deliver quality services to customers Conduct Riding Lessons and organise equestrian activities for riders, ensuring excellent quality service Enhance riding establishment safety standards Follow company safety directives, observe & promote safety guidelines & initiatives Regularly school livery and BRRS horses and ponies to maintain good behaviour and well being Review & examine tack to ensure safety & optimum fit for horses Support Head of School Line with: Management of BRRS horses and ponies Planning , implementation and recording weekly schooling & training plans for BRRS horses Allocation of BRRS horse, utilisation for lessons to ensure horse welfare and best practise is followed Ensure the best welfare and well-being of horses and ponies by cooperating with Equestrian Supervisors, EA’s, riders, instructors Follow instructions from professional staff Communicate information to fellow instructors, EA’s as necessary Provide feedback to professional staff & management Requirements: The job holder must have acquired BHS Qualifications Level 4 Senior Coach (Stage 4) or equivalent with a minimum of 9 years relevant work experience Candidates acquired BHS Stage 3 Complete or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience will be considered as an Equestrian Coach Should be flexible and experienced at coaching riders of all ages and levels from introductory to medium levels Have a 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 Preferably a fluent speaker of English; some understanding of Cantonese will be an advantage but not essential Have knowledge of child protection and safeguarding protocols and holds a current background check be a holder of first aid certificate   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
Job Description Busy international event yard looking for EVENT GROOM. To work alongside existing Yard Manager, Travelling Head Groom and Apprentice. Experienced or Apprentice Grooms welcome to apply. The job involves all yard duties, handling of fit competition horses, competition turnout and can include some riding for a suitably qualified applicant. We would be happy to appoint an Apprentice at either Level 2 or Level 3. We have had apprentices before at both levels and have an excellent relationship with Haddon Training. We would also be happy to appoint a more experienced Groom happy to fit seamlessly into our fun long-standing team. The yard is based on a private estate so a desire to maintain high standards of stable management and horse care is important. This can be a 5 or 5 1/2 day a week role. Competitive salary, pension scheme, holiday scheme etc all offered.

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
PO Box 89
SHEFFORD
SG17 9AY

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730

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