Ref: JL144502

Job Description

A rare opportunity to lead the stables of the prestigious Honourable Artillery Company Light Cavalry, a ceremonial cavalry unit renowned for exceptional standards of horse welfare, safety and presentation. This full‑time, hands‑on leadership role involves managing staff, horses, facilities and finances while supporting high‑profile ceremonial duties and a busy civilian riding and training programme, all from an outstanding Windsor Great Park setting. Experienced equestrian professionals with strong leadership and coaching qualifications are invited to apply.

General Manager (Yard Manager) – Light Cavalry Stables

Location: Flemish Farm, Windsor (edge of Windsor Great Park)
Employer: The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC)
Reporting to: The Board of the Light Cavalry
Role type: Full‑time, year‑round (40 hours/week, with occasional evenings/weekends)

About the Light Cavalry (HAC)

The HAC Light Cavalry is a ceremonial cavalry unit with origins dating back to 1861. Re‑formed in 1979, it undertakes high‑profile ceremonial duties including the Lord Mayor’s Show and is recognised for exceptional standards of horse welfare, safety, turnout and behaviour. Horses are based at Flemish Farm, adjacent to Windsor Great Park.

The Role

An experienced and hands‑on General Manager is sought to lead the Light Cavalry Stables. The role covers the full management of staff, horses, facilities, finances and activities, ensuring a safe, efficient and commercially viable operation while safeguarding the Light Cavalry’s reputation for excellence.

The postholder will work alongside the grooms as required and play a key role in ceremonial, military equitation and civilian riding activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Yard management, bookings, financial administration and reporting
• Coordination of vets, farriers and specialist suppliers
• Leadership, mentoring and appraisal of grooms
• Horse welfare, training and emergency readiness (up to 12 horses)
• Facilities and equipment management, liaising with The Crown Estate and Guards Polo Club
• Supporting ceremonial and military equitation duties
• Delivering instruction, organising coaching and supporting shows/events
• Communications with Supporting Riders, including website and social media
• Compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, licensing and animal welfare law
• Acting as Safeguarding Officer and maintaining BHS accreditation

Minimum Requirements

Essential (Minimum) Experience & Qualifications

• Experience at Head Groom level or above
• Proven team leadership and staff management experience
• BHS Stage 3 Care & Lunge and BHS Stage 2 Teach (or equivalent recognised coaching qualifications)
• Riding ability to BHS Stage 3 (or equivalent)
• Competence with Microsoft Office (Word/Excel) and accounting systems
• Safeguarding / child protection training (or willingness to undertake)
• Willingness and ability to carry out manual yard work outdoors year‑round

Desirable

• Yard/centre management experience; risk assessment and H&S management
• BHS Stage 3 Complete Coach or Stage 4 BHS
• Website and social media management; Xero; ECPro
• Business or finance management experience

Benefits

• Salary dependent on qualifications and experience
• Full‑time, year‑round employment (40 hrs/week)
• 28 days’ leave including bank holidays
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Unique opportunity to manage a prestigious ceremonial stables in an outstanding Windsor Great Park setting