Finding A Job With Horses | Tips And Advice

Brexit – Information for Employers and Grooms in the Equine Industry

Kelly Wallace Horne 29th January 2020 Articles

As Great Britain leaves the European Union at 11pm on 31st January 2020 and “Brexit” dominates our news headlines, what can we expect within the equine industry? As an international recruitment agency, we place many British Grooms in jobs within the EU, and many EU citizens into jobs within Great Britain, so… what about information for Employers and Grooms in the equine industry?

New Year, New Career!

The Grooms List Team 30th December 2019 Jobseekers

Traditionally, New Year is THE key time to commit to making positive changes in your life. One New Years Resolution might be to get a better-paid job, achieve a better work-life balance, acquire new skills, or generally get more job satisfaction. Looking at the New Year ahead, a blank canvas ready for you to make those changes, what can you do to achieve those career goals?

Making and accepting a job offer – the do’s and don’ts!

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 4th July 2019 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Sometimes, making and accepting a job offer can be somewhat rushed and not treated with the formality it really does require. Whilst it’s a huge relief to have reached this stage, it is by no means the end of the process! There is still time for things to unravel and go wrong, and sometimes badly wrong, which it’s why it’s so important for both employers and job seekers to approach this stage with care and to put aside a little quality time to get it spot-on! Read our guidance on making and accepting a formal job offer…

What happens when a job offer is withdrawn?

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 4th July 2019 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Offering and accepting a job offer can be a time of mixed emotions – happiness, relief, anxiety, and even confusion in some circumstances. But occasionally things go wrong when they’ve barely begun and the job offer is withdrawn. Where do employers and job seekers stand when a job offer/acceptance is withdrawn?

Equine career planning in 4 simple steps

The Grooms List Team 13th January 2019 Jobseekers

Equine Career Planning - The Grooms List

Most young people entering the equine industry as a career pathway dream of grooming at the Olympia Horse Show or exercise riding international sport horses or something similar, but due to lack of any real structured planning and implementation of said plan, many give up on their dreams or leave on the reality sooner or later. Equine career planning is the key to achieving dreams, trust us! What gets written down, reviewed and even measured, gets done! Here’s how it couldn’t be simpler in 4 simple steps…

A Job Seekers Guide to Reference Checks

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 30th November 2018 Jobseekers

When applying for a new job it’s easy to assume that reference checks are the responsibility of the prospective employer, or the recruitment agency if applicable. But you want that job, right? Then help to secure it for yourself by being savvy when it comes to employment references and associated checks! Reference checks are not incidental to an employer selecting YOU as their new recruit, they are critical! Read on to find out how neglecting employment references can kill any chance of you getting a new job.

Location! Location! Job Location!

Becky Parker 30th September 2018 Jobseekers

Choosing a location to look for a new job

Truly, the matter of job location can be a difficult subject to broach as a recruitment consultant. A huge part of me screams to write an extremely persuasive article urging you to broaden your horizons and keep an open mind to jobs anywhere in the UK, or even abroad. The opportunities this opens up to you are tenfold to those restricted by job location. So, how important is it that your next job is in the ‘right’ location? Is it worth being flexible for that DREAM job? We take a look at when you should be flexible and when you should hold out for your ideal.

How an Equine Apprenticeship can benefit your child

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 14th September 2018 Articles

The Grooms List Apprentices Zone - How an Apprenticeship can Benefit Your Child

As specialist equine recruitment consultants, we see the good and bad outcomes of unstructured career pathways and the results of the “rooky errors” young people make without correct guidance. We’re passionate about the part we can play in improving the role of an equine groom as a credible career pathway and we’ll always do our utmost to encourage your child to make safe career decisions.

Many young people wishing to work in the equine industry will make a blind leap into it by accepting the first job available to them. Needless to say, this isn’t always a constructive foundation for a fruitful career in the equine industry. Many grooms resort to “job-hopping” in search of the training and opportunities they crave, without realising the damaging effect this has on their CV and future career prospects.

By contrast, an Equine Apprenticeship makes the job seeker focus on what they would like to achieve within their career and how they can achieve it. The job seeker can then source meaningful employment as an Apprentice Groom, enabling them to earn while they learn, laying the foundation of a promising career – and ultimately become one of the best professional grooms in the equine industry.

A step by step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 5th September 2018 Jobseekers

The Grooms List Apprenticeship Zone - Simple Step by Step Guide to Becoming an Apprentice Groom

Everyone likes to keep things simple, and sometimes gathering all the information needed before making decisions and acting on them can be time-consuming. With this in mind, The Grooms List team have put together a simple step-by-step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom, from finding your Apprentice Groom vacancy to your options once you’ve gained your qualification.

A Sneak Peek at an equine Employers Wishlist…

The Grooms List Team 19th August 2018 Jobseekers

A Sneak Peak at an equine Employers Wish List

It is surprising how often we come across bewildered job seekers wondering why they are struggling to secure their ideal job. Sometimes the reason is obvious, other times less so. No matter how incredibly experienced/qualified and talented a groom you are there can be many reasons things don’t happen as quickly as you might like. Clearly, 3 horses, 4 dogs and a magpie (yes really) won’t help, but the more subtle reasons usually take the eyes or ears of a genuine and interested recruitment expert! We often can quite quickly help you to identify what the blocks are. Our team compilation ’employers wishlist’ is not designed to be an exhaustive tick list by any means, but it does pretty much cover most of what we have heard over the years.

Equine Apprenticeships: Course Options – Grooms of the Future Part 2

Kelly Wallace Horne 8th June 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Looking to build a successful career in a particular discipline or sector of the equine industry? Find out about the course options available to learners via and equine apprenticeship.

Writing an Equine CV

The Grooms List Team 1st June 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Writing an equine CV doesn’t have to be daunting, long-winded or time-consuming, and it will make a HUGE difference to your job hunt. Find out more about the benefits of making a CV and documenting your work history as you go. The Grooms List even offers you FREE OF CHARGE a template to drop all this information into!

Looking for Work with Horses: Getting Started – your Jobseekers Profile

The Grooms List Team 25th May 2018 Jobseekers

The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment has grown like crazy over the last year or so. We are told we have the best, the easiest to use website & the best service to grooms etc and of course, we are delighted by that…, but we want to do more for you.

It looks like many of you are choosing to register solely with us and not everywhere else so now you don’t have to maintain multiple profiles all over the place, to get the very best from this choice, you need to put the time in if you haven’t already, to get the very best results. Let’s face it, it’s fundamentally what we are all here for, (that and our blogs and the fun on our social media pages of course too we are told).

If you really are a serious job hunter and not just dawdling for your own reasons (?!) don’t get disenchanted about the industry when the wrong things happen or things don’t happen at all – help us to help you and let’s make a start by looking at your Jobseekers Profile…

What is a Job Trial and why should I attend one?

Becky Parker 13th April 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

So you think you have found the job you have been looking for? That’s great, but WHOA just hold your horses a second… In my experience, interviewing alone can be a very inexact science. Before you shake hands on the deal, I strongly recommend all job seekers and all employers road test each other first with a job trial, at a pre-agreed paid rate of course. This might be the one thing that for you, secures your decision or it may be that you will look back and consider how you really dodged a bullet. Of course sometimes, for some people, a job trial is not always practical, but if it is, move heaven and earth, do yourself a favour and have one. There is nothing like a road test for really seeing first hand if something might be a fit; and you know we are all about job satisfaction and job longevity here at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Reruitment! Becky has shared some of her thoughts about job trials and of course, I can’t resist chipping in here and there…

About Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 23rd February 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Ever wondered who and what Freelance Grooms are, or are you considering setting yourself up as a Freelance Groom? The appeal of a working life flitting from yard to yard, meeting many, many new horses (and people of course!) is understandable but is this perception realistic? You know that according to British Grooms Association guidelines there is no such thing as Freelance Groom jobs? So how does that work? In this article, Kelly Wallace Horne has put together a go-to guide of facts and info, including some of the real considerations that Freelance Grooms or anyone wanting to become a Freelance Groom should be aware of, not to mention some of the semantics associated with this title which can really matter when it comes to employment law and the taxman…

Equine Apprenticeships – invaluable education or slave labour?

Becky Parker 2nd February 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Fresh from the clutches of 11 years enforced education, drunk on your own freedom (honestly guv I’m just really happy), the prospect of earning a proper wage dangled in front of you tantalisingly, it can be tough persuading yourself to think long-term about career planning. The prospect of returning to a classroom for college courses or perhaps a degree holds no appeal for those who struggle with formal education or are just fed up with the confinement of a classroom. Apprenticeships provide an alternative way to achieve formal, industry recognised City and Guilds qualifications with minimum or possibly even no classroom time. Learners are able to ‘earn while they learn’ as the tagline goes. The equine industry is famously fast-paced and physical, and there is unanimous thinking when it comes to the verdict that there is really no substitute for practical, on the job training. An equine Apprenticeship allows you to gain this in an unexploited, structured and planned way whilst also gaining the piece of paper to prove it. Becky Parker discusses the pros, cons and alternative routes into a successful career with horses.

How to FAIL at your equine job hunt!

Becky Parker 26th January 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Job-hunting is not easy, believe us, we know this. Finding the perfect job that matches all your requirements in terms of preferred location, favourite discipline, nice accommodation, chances to ride, or not, welcoming your beloved menagerie of pets and/or significant other too. Sometimes it can truly feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack! So when your equine job hunt finally uncovers the ideal employment opportunity there are a few really silly mistakes you just don’t want to be making.

Here to help as always we bring you a simple guide on what NOT to do.

How to negotiate a salary in the equine industry

Caroline Carter 8th January 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

There are of course many factors which influence the longevity and success of any working relationship. Between grooms and employers, none of these are more hotly debated these days than that of grooms’ salary and the general package. You don’t have to look too hard on social media to see the disgruntled outpourings from all sides and every day I have conversations which clearly demonstrate much is still left to be done for this situation to become resolved. I don’t pretend to have an answer as to how we raise the income levels of this particular sector, (which is in many ways is similar to many of the “caring professions”) but I believe how and when the topic of salary and terms is covered within the whole interviewing process, if addressed, could have a positive impact on the longer term security of those involved.

In this article, I give both grooms and employers my advice on laying the foundations of long-term, happy, healthy and successful employment.

The difference between employed, self-employed and freelance grooms

Becky Parker 24th November 2017 Articles, Jobseekers

The legal requirements which underpin being self-employed vs employed are vast but not as complicated as you might originally have thought. Here at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd, we don’t pretend to be legal, tax or HR experts on the nuances that surround this subject, but we know people who are and with their expert guidance, Becky Parker our brilliant blog writer has researched that for your information this week. We proudly support Grooms who are looking for full-time employment, those self-employed/freelancing and looking to add clients to their portfolio, or indeed just starting out on either road and wondering how best to proceed. We really can and regularly do help and have many success stories that attest to that. We wouldn’t direct anyone to go one way or another specifically as it is a very personal to each individual.

Why use an Equestrian Recruitment Agency?

Becky Parker 21st October 2017 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Finding your way through the minefield that is job hunting is a tricky task. Some may liken it to the proverbial hunt for a needle in a haystack, but No! let’s not bring that kind of negativity here. Undeniably there are many shady employers around but equally, there are still quite a few good, generous, kind-hearted and appreciative ones too. Becky Parker outlines the role we play in the recruitment process of both employers and jobseekers in the equestrian industry.

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Featured Job Vacancies

JL76149 Bucks/Oxon borders – Live Out Apprentice Groom or Groom/Rider for professional Show Jumping Yard

Aston Park Stud

Live out Oxfordshire, UK

SHOWJUMPERS/RACEHORSES OXON/BUCKS BORDERS *Ideal first or second job *Own horse welcome *Riding optional *Groom at top shows *Pay above NMW A wonderful opportunity for a cheerful, enthusiastic person to join an experienced professional team as an Apprentice Groom or Groom/Rider (riding is entirely optional, subject to a minimum standard). Ideal first or second job, with the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications in the equine industry via a Level 1, 2 or 3 Apprenticeship. This is a professional yard with 10 horses: 8 horses ranging from yearlings to Grade A Show Jumpers plus 2 retired horses. You will be joing two full time members of staff, plus part timers who help out where necessary. The job will entail all usual daily yard duties, plus the opportunity to learn show turnout and to groom at Show Jumping Shows. If you have a horse you are welcome to stable it at the yard. Friendly dogs are welcome by prior arrangement. The salary will be higher than the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices. The succesful candidate is welcome to start soonest but the employer is happy to wait until after Christmas if you prefer.

JL73771 Somerset. Experienced high class groom/rider for maternity cover on an International Showjumping yard,

Nuttall Equestrian Ltd

Live in Somerset, UK

Job Description We are looking for someone to cover maternity leave over the next 5 months (possibility of extending employment). The job will involve riding fit competition horses ranging from young horses to Grand prix level, flat work and over poles. All yard and stable duties including clipping etc.. Good communication skills with sponsors and owners. We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised and hardworking and has experience at the level required for this position. References will be required. Accommodation details Shared accommodation with one other member of staff. Benefits Free accommodation. Training

JL54449 Surrey Groom/Rider Competition Livery Yard

Thundry Farm Livery & Training Yard

Live in Surrey, UK

Job Description This role is working in a competition livery yard run by a BS Accredited Coach. The job involves all normal stable duties, the exercise of competition horses and travel to shows. You must have: worked in the industry already, have practical knowledge of stable management, horse health and the ability to ride fit powerful horses competently, hacking or in the school. Most horses are 16 -16.1 so we require a lighter weight person at this time. It would be a good role for someone who has finished an apprenticeship and is looking for their first ‘proper’ job. Equally, we would welcome someone more experienced. Somebody who showjumped would also benefit from the opportunity of having their own horse on the yard, training and going to shows with us. You should: be happy to work within a team in a structured environment, prepared to work efficiently with safety in mind, like things to be organised, clean and tidy with attention to detail, have a keen interest in the training of horses both ridden and on the ground. Our horses are treated as individuals and all our grooms must have their welfare at heart and be prepared to work with a level of detail when caring for the horses. Your role will require you to maintain the high standards of the yard if the Owner is not present. This is a full time position 5.5 days a week 7:30 – 17:30. You will be expected to groom for up to six horses, and on occasions take sole charge. You will work alongside two other full time grooms, who are hard working, love horses and are easy to get along with. Accommodation details The accommodation is a modern brick built bungalow. It has three bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms, and a open plan kitchen and sitting room. All furnished. It is heated by electric radiators. The kitchen has a full cooker, fridge, freezer and microwave. Within the yard there is a washing machine and tumble dryer. All cleaning products, washing powder and toliet roll – are provided. Own Horse. As a dedicated horse person we recognise that you may want to have your own horse. We also recognise that if you are committed to that horse it makes being committed to the horses here more of a challenge, if it is not on site. On a regular basis we do not finish later than 17:30, however show days or vet emergencies will mean longer days. Having your own horse at a different location then becomes a conflict and can be very tiring. Therefore we can offer the right candidate the opportunity to have a horse on Staff Livery. The groom start 30 minutes before work so they can tend to their horse and make up some of the time that they will spend on the horse within the day. The horse can be worked and groomed within the working day in the same way the other horses on the yard are. One

JL72896 Devon – Home showjumping groom

Justin tuff

Live in Devon, UK

Job Description home groom for showjumping yard in devon , needing an experienced and reliable person to join our team happy looking after fit competition horses and to be in charge if we are away horses competing national and internationaly , purpose built yard set in 30 ac family run yard we would love someone looking for a long term job our great home groom is now our show groom so having to replace her Minimum Requirements Must have previous experience working with fit competition horses , happy turning out lunging , etc Accommodation details Shared flat on yard Benefits Happy for you to bring your own horse

JL76058 Doha, Qatar – Farrier Required.

Al Samriya Riding School

Live in Qatar

Privately-owned equine farm established in 2007 and located in Al Shahania, an area 30 km from Doha, we pride ourselves for being in a unique location with access to fields, arenas and tracks where riders can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Oryx reserve, farm and FBQ Museum set as an old Arabian Fort. We are looking for an experienced farrier capable of delivering the highest-level farriery care to our riding school and livery horses Qualifications: Must be DIP WCF certified with at least 3 years- experience. Ideally to have experience treating lamainitic horses and remedial farriery skill. Reports to ASRS Operations Manager Scope of work: make horse welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most appropriate attention for horses committed to your care including due regard to a safe working environment to be able to coordinate with Stable manager and manage a large shoeing schedule Be Physically fit and capable of treating 8 horses per day; even in high temperatures. ensure that all horses under your care are treated humanely and with respect maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills uphold the good reputation of the farriery profession recognise the limits of your professional competence be honest and trustworthy communicate openly with clients and be professional at all times foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their views and protecting client confidentiality foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism and understand and comply with your legal obligation. Must hold a clean driving license as may be required to shoe horses off site To comply with Qatar’s laws and cultural values. Please send CV and salary expectation

JL76068 Scotland. Assistant Equestrian Manager,(riding optional).

Kilgraston School

Live in Anywhere

Job Description Scottish School’s Equestrian Centre is looking for an Assistant Manager to join the team. This is the only school in Scotland with equestrian facilities onsite, housing up to 25 horses between the riding school and livery yard and are hoping to become BHS approved in 2021. This is an exciting role for an experienced and qualified coach, who has experience of working with young people and enjoys a varied working day. The successful applicant will ideally be a BHS Level 3 coach (or equivalent) and be a responsible individual who can supervise a small team in the manager’s absence whilst delivering excellent customer service and the best care to our team of riding school horses and liveries. Equestrian Assistant Manager Role Profile: • Tuition in all aspects of riding and stable management • Implementation of yard routine and regular ‘hands-on’ yard duties including mucking out, clipping, feeding etc. • Assisting in management of equestrian staff and volunteers, including delivery of BHS Stage 1 + 2 course work and assessment preparation • Grassland management and maintenance. • Organisation of vets, farriers and feed deliveries. An attractive package, including use of school facilities, regular CPD training and the possibility of both onsite accommodation and livery for own horse is available. The successful applicant will on occasion be the senior staff member overseeing the Centre and the role will include some evening and weekend shifts. Applications close 20.11.20 Minimum Requirements BHS Level 3 coach/ UKCC L2 Accommodation details Accommodation is available onsite Benefits Possibility of bringing own horse, regular CPD and exam training

JL76066 Gloucestershire Yard Manager. :) Something different :)

Jive Pony UK

Live in Gloucestershire, UK

Job Description We are a small family run yard with 6 winter liveries ranging from DIY to full. We are passionate about using positive reinforcement with all our clients and our own horses. I am head of the horse department for a well known Gloucestershire Based Circus and train the new horses for the coming season from our yard throughout the winter. In the winter I will be working on the yard with you, mainly concentrating on the training and riding of the horses. The job is six days a week in the summer and five and a half days in the winter. All the work can be done in roughly 6 hours a day so plenty of free time for your own projects or studying. Our year is split into two season. In winter most of the work is standard yard work, turning out, getting in, mucking out, hay nets, poo picking and riding out (min twice a week). In the summer most of the horses live out except for one retired Highland pony who’s laminitis needs managing. (Turn out pen grazing muzzle etc) The summer requires more field and fly maintenance (poo picking/and fly masks etc) a little bit more riding and also the managing of our mini circus wagon air B&B. Preparing the space showing guests in and out etc. You will be working the yard on your own during the summer season, except for the DIY’s as I will be working away on tour with the circus. You must be confident and happy to handle all types of horses, most of ours are cold bloods but they can be lively. The ability to think for yourself, and do the job with care, kindness and a positive attitude essential. We are a happy little yard with a passion for what we do and we are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for high standards and continued learning. Minimum Requirements Minimum contract would be year after a months trial. Accommodation details The position is full time live in. The accommodation is a double glazed, central heated 2 bedroom mobile home situated with in a barn, water and electricity included. If required we have space for you to bring one, (well behaved!) horse or pony. Benefits Opportunities to learn positive reinforcement training, also opportunities to work on set and in be in a show environment.

JL76038 Oxfordshire – Head/Travelling Groom and exercise Rider for Professional Eventing yard.

Attington Sport Horses

Live in Oxfordshire, UK

Job Description Fantastic opportunity to head a professional eventer’s yard based in Oxfordshire Minimum Requirements Must be capable of: All normal stable duties, handling fit competition horses, exercising/lunging, managing a busy yard, being a team player, good communication and honesty, 5* turnout to include plaiting and clipping Accommodation details Onsite cottage, sharing with 2/3 others. Wifi, bills etc included Benefits Excellent salary/package for the right experienced candidate, travelling to 5* competitions. Top of the range facilities

JL75588 Dorset – TEMPORARY Groom Live In Family/Hunting/Eventing

Ferne Park Estate

Live in Live out Dorset, UK

Hunting / Eventing groom required for family (with children aged 10 – 25 years) that regularly hunt with Portman, BV and other hunts and one family member that events during the British Eventing season. Must be capable of all usual duties to a very high standard, occasional sole charge , meticulous attention to detail with yard and horse management, HGV required. Good people skills and enjoy working with children. Exercising, possible hunting, event groom at times, good turnout, clipping, plaiting. Previous experience is necessary. Hunt horses live out in summer – but some stay in and continue work. Eventing, maintenance work and horse care out of hunt season. QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED: Previous relevant experience. Longevity in suitable roles. Excellent references. Start date: ASAP Holidays: Statutory No. of Horses: 12 horses/ponies Accommodation: 1 bed apartment for single occupancy Days/wk: 5 Driver: Yes Own car: Yes HGV: Bonus Pets: Dog Horse: NO (local yard possible) SALARY PACKAGE & Pay Dates: Negotiable depending on experience. £350 – £420 per week FACILITIES: Horse walker/Excellent hacking/excellent equine facilities.

JL73260 Dorset – Live In Family/Hunting/Eventing Groom required

Ferne Park Estate

Live in Dorset, UK

Hunting / Eventing groom required for family (with children aged 10 – 25 years) that regularly hunt with Portman, BV and other hunts and one family member that events during the British Eventing season. Must be capable of all usual duties to a very high standard, occasional sole charge (although mainly working with Head Groom and other employees), meticulous attention to detail with yard and horse management, HGV required. Good people skills and enjoy working with children. Exercising, possible hunting, event groom at times, good turnout, clipping, plaiting. Previous experience is necessary. Hunt horses live out in summer – but some stay in and continue work. Eventing, maintenance work and horse care out of hunt season. QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED: Previous relevant experience. Longevity in suitable roles. Excellent references. Start date: ASAP Holidays: Statutory No. of Horses: 12 horses/ponies Accommodation: 1 bed apartment for single occupancy Days/wk: 5 Driver: Yes Own car: Yes HGV: Bonus Pets: Dog Horse: NO (local yard possible) SALARY PACKAGE & Pay Dates: Negotiable depending on experience. £350 – £420 per week FACILITIES: Horse walker/Excellent hacking/excellent equine facilities.

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