Ref: JL152443

Job Description

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre is looking for an experienced, capable and sympathetic rider to join our team.

This is an opportunity to work for an established charity with a variety of retired racehorses, playing an important role in their rehabilitation, retraining and preparation for their next careers and homes.

Working with Thoroughbreds at different stages of their journey, the role will involve riding and schooling horses according to their individual needs and abilities, helping them develop their confidence, education and suitability for life beyond racing.

The role will involve:

• Riding and schooling Thoroughbreds at different stages of their rehabilitation and retraining.

• Developing horses’ confidence, education and ability under saddle.

• Following individual rehabilitation and retraining programmes.

• Working closely alongside BTRC’s Consultant Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier and Head of Retraining.

• Monitoring and recording horses’ progress and development.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a confident, competent and sympathetic rider.

• Have experience riding a variety of horses, ideally including Thoroughbreds.

• Have a good understanding of equine behaviour and training principles.

• Be patient, adaptable and able to work with horses as individuals.

• Have a genuine interest in rehabilitation and retraining.

Experience in groundwork, long-reining and lunging would be preferred but is not essential.

Previous experience with Thoroughbreds would be advantageous.

If you are passionate about giving retired racehorses the opportunity to enjoy a successful second career, we would love to hear from you.

Minimum Requirements

• Confident and competent riding ability, with experience riding a variety of horses.

• Good understanding of horse care, welfare and equine behaviour.

• Ability to work sympathetically and patiently with horses of different temperaments and abilities.

• Reliable, hardworking and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Good communication skills and the ability to follow individual horse management and training plans.

• A genuine interest in the rehabilitation and retraining of retired racehorses.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience working with Thoroughbreds or ex-racehorses.

• Experience in rehabilitation and retraining.

• Groundwork, long-reining and lunging.

• BHS qualifications or equivalent equestrian qualifications.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis, taking into account each applicant’s practical experience, riding ability and relevant qualifications.

Accommodation details

Free on-site accommodation is available as part of the position.

The accommodation is within a large farmhouse on the property, with your own private bedroom and shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities with two other members of staff.

BTRC is situated in a beautiful rural location near Lancaster, offering the best of countryside living while remaining within easy reach of local amenities and the nearby town.

Benefits

• Free on-site accommodation in a beautiful rural setting.

• Structured working rota with regular days off.

• Training and support towards relevant BHS qualifications.

• Opportunity for ongoing learning and professional development.