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The Ultimate Guide to County Shows

The Ultimate Guide to County Shows

by Becky Parker

County shows are an integral part of rural life and a real opportunity for the wider agricultural community to come together and showcase their talents, produce and passion for what they do. County shows are where children can become inspired, urban folk can gain a greater appreciation for where their food and clothes come from and young farmers can have a jolly good get together!

For the equine world, county shows provide something for all levels and a huge variety of disciplines. For the amateur rider, just qualifying for a county show is a big deal and something they will work towards and see as a highlight of the season. For professional/competitive riders county shows are the all-important qualifiers for their bigger classes at HOYS/RI (Horse Of The Year Show/Royal International) and an equally vital part of the season. For spectators, county shows are a fabulous family day out and an amazing chance to see an incredibly diverse display of what that area has to offer.

 

What to expect

County Shows explained - equine classesFrom an equine perspective, you would be hard pushed to find a greater mismatch of equine and rider age/ability and type. This is the kind of place where John Whittaker can be jumping in a ring next to Harriet and Bob the Cob from over yonder hill, a simple much loved happy hacker on his yearly outing. It is precisely this diversity that gives county shows their special charm.

 

In the equine sector, depending on the individual show, you can expect to see some or all of these classes;

County Shows explained - carriage driving

  • Showjumping
  • Breed Specific Flat and In Hand Showing
  • Working Hunter classes
  • Scurry Driving
  • Hunt Relays
  • Mounted Games
  • Heavy horse displays

 

 

The variety in the non-equine sector is hard to comprehend but here is our best attempt to show the huge diversity on offer with one humongous list;

  • Pig, Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Chicken showing classes
  • Horticulture
  • Homecraft
  • County Shows explained - prize cattleSheep Shearing
  • Farrier competitions
  • Fairground rides
  • Food & Drink market
  • Local artisan product shopping
  • Freestyle Motocross stunt displays
  • Hound Parades
  • Dog agility
  • Terrier racing
  • Falconry displays
  • Demo classes from local colleges
  • Farm machinery reps showing the latest products
  • Cookery demos
  • Archery
  • Young Farmer tug-o-war competitions

 

 

County Shows explained - showing farm animalsHow to prepare as a Groom/Rider

As a Groom or Rider County shows with their slightly more relaxed event management practices, unique carnival-like atmosphere and eclectic range of farmyard participants can provide a whole new challenge in terms of preparation. Here we will look at how best to prepare physically, mentally, emotionally 🙂 (just joking, well sort of) and well, practically for the experience…

 

 

Your horse

County Shows explained - funfair

TIP 1: Where possible try to acclimatize your horse to all the mad situations he is likely to encounter e.g farmyard animals, random noises, screaming children, barking dogs

TIP 2: Ensure your horse had a good “stand” and will stand still for various periods of time. For showing this is an important part of demonstrating manners and also makes up a large percentage of your time in the actual ring. Show jumpers –  I’m sure you all have this covered, waiting around outside a class is simply standard!

County Shows explained - be well prepared

TIP 3: This is a special one for the Grey and Coloured owners. Start pre-washing early! Summer is a dammable time where you feel compelled out of kindness to let the mud monsters out naked. When it comes to the week before the show their very skin seems to have turned brown! A few days out from the show get to work on those stains and invest in a summer sheet, thick fly rug or better yet one of those ridiculous looking but very practical jump suits. Several days of elbow grease with a brush not sponge work wonders on stubborn stains.

 

Your kit

TIP 1: Prepare for all weathers. Don’t let the recent hot weather fool you, this is British summer time and it is not uncommon for 1 day to see all 4 seasons, especially at a county show!

County Shows explained - patient poniesTIP 2: Pack a well kitted out show bag for those last minute finishing touches. Prepare for potentially muddy warm ups, or alternatively, dripping sweaty horses. We would recommend packing a damp sponge or cloth, chalk, hoof oil, baby oil, wet wipes, spare vary sizes of spurs, bands, a brush and an energy bar and water for the rider and yourself!

TIP 3: Prepare Stud Holes at home! All county showgrounds are in a field, usually not a particularly flat one either, the season of skinned knuckles is upon us – oh joys! As we have mentioned more than once, there is a lot going on at County showgrounds so save yourself at least some of the battle by getting your horses stud holes cleaned out and “tapped” at home. If you’re not a fan of blanks, stuffing them with baby oil soaked cotton wool is another neat trick to save time, stress, bruises and “knuckle skin” pre class. Read expert tips on using studs here.

 

Yourself!

TIP 1: Have a plan! Know exactly when your class is and work back from there allowing generous time for everything from the warm-up, to the journey, to getting yards done and the horse plaited in the morning. The No1 cause of stress on show days is, without doubt, running late!

TIP 2: Dress Appropriately – Unless you are going in the ring yourself wear something that is smart enough to reflect professionally on yourself and your employer but comfortable enough for running around in all day. Most importantly, wear sensible footwear. You will likely be hiking miles round the showground and you will likely get stood on more than once by hyped up horses.

TIP 3: Whether you are Rider or Groom focus on your horse and their performance solely until after their class. Block out the sounds, say Hi to people you know but don’t let this distract or worry you. As a Rider, County shows being local events can be a great chance to catch up but also add extra pressure from so many people you know watching. Try to factor in a little quiet time before your class whether this is in the lorry while you dress, whilst tacking up or during your horses walk warm up. Allow yourself 5 minutes to run through what you need to do in the ring and take a few deep calming breaths.

 

 

How to prepare as a spectator

There are just a few vital ingredients to a successful day out at a County Show, their order of importance is a subjective matter, free for debate…

County Shows explained - Scrummy food

  • A pre-capped amount of money you are allowed to spend
  • An empty belly ready for the scrummy local produce
  • A sense of humour for the renegade farmyard animals and main ring displays
  • A designated driver for when you accidentally wander into the Cider/Ale/Pimms tent!

 

Above all else what a County Show is really about is having FUN. They are such a great celebration of Agricultural and Rural Life and an important part of what summer means to all of us from that world. As an Equine community, they are something we should wholeheartedly support as a fantastic positive representation of the diversity within the equine community those who aren’t part of it often fail to see.

You could go for that reason or if you’re like me, you could just go for the funky rare breed chickens and the beer tent! 🙂

 

See a handy list of 156 shows across 86 counties in the UK here.

 

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Top Jobs!

*Single or family person welcomed (including children.) *Dog welcomed but not on the yard* *5 day week * IRO £25K -£35Kpa +/- plus accommodation neg. . The employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and his wife has a strong equestrian background. Carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential.  Strong horsemanship skills on the ground and under saddle along with yard management skills are, however, essential. Groundwork and long-reining ability also are highly desirable. The horses are ridden (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of horses and possess all the usual skills including the ability to turn a horse out and there is an opportunity to learn to drive. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business so a track record of RELIABILITY is key. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Accommodation options are available. Very well appointed 2 beds/2 baths flat on-site and a lovely house in the village close by is available meantime. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Good yards close by if you have a horses (s) Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description Looking for a dedicated and motivated team player to join our busy yard in a role as a competition groom with plenty of travelling. Will suit someone that wants to be closely involved with the competition horses and help achieve exciting goals with them. A full time, live in or live out position which includes all day to day yard duties and working with the horses at home and away at shows. Must clip, plait and turnout to a high standard. Will need to be happy driving a 3.5t horsebox and HGV license is a bonus. A love of the horses and high standards and attention to detail are the most important. Role will include competition grooming for myself as well as taking clients to shows, horses to the treadmill, vets etc. We have a string of horses from youngsters up to 4* eventers and also compete BS regularly including Hickstead throughout the summer. The right person will need to be organised, cheerful and hopefully slightly OCD. Must work well in a team and be good with clients as well as being happy working on own initiative and motivation. Someone who also likes and is happy to pitch in with young children is also a huge bonus. Current team of staff have all been here between one and five years. Littleton has exceptional facilities and is one big family (even if it is a slightly bonkers one at times). Hopefully someone wants to come and join us for the ride! Ideally looking for someone from the start of April however this is flexible as right person is paramount. Previous experience in this specific role not essential but must have good yard work experience and ideally some competition grooming so far. Riding can be part of the job but not compulsory. Competitive package with a contract including pension, paid holiday etc
Job Description We require a Polo Groom/Rider to join our small team to help look after our lovely horses. The job involves plenty of riding, mucking out, keeping the horses looking good, travelling to tournaments, ensuring the yard is tidy and generally helping the club run smoothly. Our horses are all very easy but you must be a competent rider as you will be required to ride and lead. The job is varied and fun.  No Polo experience required as full training given.
Job Description Full Time Groom required to look after a happy family yard near Newmarket, doing a bit of everything! We are training up for easy to get to goals and shows; working hunter; local Shows, and Pony Club activities. We mostly hack out and school, and in the Summer there is Beach Riding, Woodland Riding, The applicant MUST be a confident rider, enthusiastic and reliable. Duties and responsibilities: We are looking for an experienced Head Groom capable of managing 16.2 hunters to a high standard together with managing family horses and ponies. All duties of a professional groom in sole charge will be expected, including, but not limited to: • Building up and maintaining fitness levels • Supervising a fearless 11 year old • Care of Tack, Tack Room and Stables • Paddock maintenance • Basic knowledge of equine first aid – the ability to spot and deal with minor wounds etc • HGV licence would be a significant bonus & Trailer licence • Supervision of part time / temporary groom(s) Core working hours will be between 0800 and 1700, however the hours will vary according to the needs of the Estate and the requirements of the role with the need to start earlier and finish later when necessary. You will generally be required to be available between Monday to Sunday. Where possible you will be entitled to two days off in a seven day period at reasonable times to be agreed with the Estate. You may have to work such additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties which will include weekends and bank holidays for which you will receive time off in lieu as agreed with the Estate. This is a lovely opportunity for the right applicant to work for a friendly and relaxed family on a yard set in stunning parkland.  
Job Description We are looking for a Stable Hand / Groom to join our 5* Equestrian Centre. Top facilities on a newly developed Centre. 2 to 5 Days a week, minimum Saturday and Sunday cover, 7:45am start with a lunch break. Yard finishes about 6pm. Candidate must work well as a team, competent in the stable yard, friendly, self motivated, honest & kind with our horses. Fantastic opportunity to work with Mrs Sam van den Berg, International Level 2 Instructor! Excellent package, dependant on experience & ability! We look forward to meeting the new future member of out Team! Minimum Requirements Experienced Groom, able to work efficiently, at high standard. Punctual, friendly, team worker! Must be local or have reliable transport, as bus service is not always reliable   Accommodation details No accommodation available   Benefits Working on a 5* establishment, top wage package. £150 Signing Bonus after successful completion of 3 months probation period.    
Job Description We’re in search of a dedicated full-time team member to join the close-knit Magna Horses family. As a valued member, you’ll play an important role in our passion-driven, family-owned business focused on caring and producing top quality horses. Ideal candidates will: – Prioritise reliability and be a trustworthy team member. – Have experience in handling young horses and stallions – Thrive in both team environments and be able to work on their own – Complete all basic yard duties to a high standard, including mucking out, hay net filling, and turning out, with additional opportunities for the right person. – Most importantly have a love and understanding for competition-ready horses of varying ages. We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Minimum Requirements Be comfortable around horses and like them! We can offer training as long as you are happy to undertake general yard duties.   Accommodation details Regrettably, accommodation is not currently provided.   Benefits We invite people with their own horses, offering a competitive salary, excellent facilities, and potential additional benefits. Also, we will include free flat work/dressage or in-hand lessons with GB U25 Grand Prix rider You can ride your horse during day light horses (probably lunchtime) – yard duties can be done after dark, riding your horse can’t! Located in picturesque Wiltshire(SP3), with fabulous off road hacking.  
Job Description Self-employed groom sought 3-5 hours a day, generally 5 days a week, to care for and manage three competition horses in a private yard between Cirencester and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (GL54) We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable, efficient, trustworthy person.  The person needs to be capable of sole charge, with high standards and a good level of equine management, including fitness, and riding skills for hacking and schooling.  Ability to clip, plait, and turn out to show/event standard is required. The role is for someone who is a good communicator, open minded to occasional equine complementary therapy, and adaptable to usual competition flexibility, with a sense of humour. Whilst there are usually people around, initiative and responsibility is required The person will be responsible for organising and booking the diary, for lessons, farrier, vaccinations, chiropractor, dentist, training and event schedules, alongside rider support. Minimum Requirements Average hours are 3 – 5 hours a day, minimum of 2, but need to be flexible and event days will be longer hours.  There is an opportunity of additional work, alongside this role, in a large attached livery yard.  Self employment required. This is a lovely and cheerful environment, with lovely horses, who are very much cherished, excellent facilities and outstanding hacking.   Possibility of stabling your own horse on site. ***Start date is flexible – can start any time between now and June 2024, please contact and discuss***  
Job Description RIDING VACANCY AVAILABLE ! Due to the increasing number of young stock we have coming through, we are now recruiting for another rider to join the team and work alongside myself, Hannah Morrow & Catherine Robinson. This is a fantastic opportunity for a keen young rider to come and base themselves at Aston-le-Walls and learn from an established and successful event team. The chosen applicant will have the option of bringing their own horse, benefiting from world class facilities and plenty of training. Alongside all the day to day yard work, the job involves helping with the riding of both the young event horses and the commercial horses for sale with the potential to compete, dependent on experience. We are looking for : – Someone ambitious and hard working with an established eventing record, preferably up to Intermediate / 3* level & experience producing young horses. – Someone with a passion for eventing and an understanding of the correct groundwork alongside having natural feel. – An empathetic rider with solid foundations on the flat and a soft approach to a fence.
Job Description We are a private livery yard consisting of 36 acres, featuring 15 stables, 25x60m manège, lunge pen, and cross-country practice course. The yard has easy access to the East Anglian Farm Rides off-road hacks on over 55 farms in Essex. The yard requires a new head groom that is willing to live onsite. The person will be responsible for the day to day needs of the horses in livery and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the yard, stables and equipment. The suitable applicant must be at BHS level 3 (or have other equivalent training/experience), work meticulously, expeditiously and to a high standard, is comfortable working independently as well as providing supervision to junior grooms if needed, and be capable of monitoring the health and behaviour of the horses, recognizing any changes that need reporting to the horse owner. The position does not require riding but there is the possibility of occasional ridden work. Similarly, grooming, clipping and performance of other tasks may be possible. Salary: £25-30’000 per year, to be discussed Hours: 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday. Possibility to offer services to the liveries at weekends for supplementary income. Start Date April/May 2024 Minimum Requirements BHS level 3 or equivalent/equivalent experience, bandaging, first aid, lunging, mane trim/pull and clipping advantageous. Comfortable working alone and also able to provide support to less experienced grooms.   Accommodation details 1 bedroom apartment (unfurnished) available at £450 a month (price includes electricity, water) on a separate tenancy agreement   Benefits Possibility to bring own horse  
Job Description home/ show groom, opportunity to do shows UK and internationally if they would like to Minimum Requirements must have knowledge with horses and be confident with young horses   Accommodation details shared accommodation,  private ensuit bedroom and bathroom in the accommodation building there is a newly fitted out kitchen, games room, gym, laundry room garden area with bbq and seating   Benefits great team already there opportunity for international shows lovely accommodation well looked after and respected with in the team  
Job Description flat rider/groom for competition yard, mainly 4-7 year olds no breaking or backing young ones required Minimum Requirements must be able to ride confidently and have good flat work skills lunging and long reining   Accommodation details shared accommodation, ensuit private bedroom and bathrooms within the accomadion there is a new kitchen, laundry room, games rooms and gym   Benefits great fun team opportunity to flat ride at shows uk and internationally
Job Description A fun and friendly yard with high professional standards, now expanding and in need of an Assistant Manager. Looking for a full time person to join the team at an eventing focused yard on a beautiful private estate near Charlbury, Oxfordshire. Largely in support of a lovely young Event Rider aiming for Europeans later this year and hoping to complete her first 4*. Looking for someone with the ability to oversee staff and the running of the yard in the Yard Managers absence, whilst also happy to muck in as part of the team. A HGV licence is essential for getting out and about, travelling to training and competitions. Confidence handling and riding big fit competition horses is key, with the successful candidate undertaking hacking, fast work and schooling if capable. There is always something new and different happening on the estate to provide an ever changing and exciting environment.   Very competitive package for the right person including own accommodation, 5 day week and salary ranging from £27-30k dependent on experience.   Minimum Requirements HGV licence – travel to training and competitions Ability to manage staff and the running of the yard in the Yard Managers absence Eventing/competition experience Confidence handling big fit competition horses This is a riding role – hacking, fastwork, lunging, potentially schooling Sense of humour!   Accommodation details Lovely own Cotswold cottage provided, with council tax and water also covered. Partners welcome, dog a possibility.   Benefits Accommodation Salary dependent on experience – £27k-£30k  
Job Description We are looking for a capable yard manager who is also an experienced instructor with an interest in biomechanics to run the yard of 14 horses and teach lessons not only on actual horses but also on our eventing simulator. For the right candidate training and qualifications will be provided. The successful person must be organised, reliable and able to drive. We have a rider you will be working alongside and would be an advantage if you can drive a 3.5 ton or 7.5 ton horsebox. We have riding holidays, clinics and camps which you will get involved in with the other staff members. Minimum Requirements Coaching qualifications or experience   Accommodation details Sole accommodation if required   Benefits Fantastic facilities and location 80 acre cross country course Latest technology horse simulator – can jump a course of 1.20m sj and xc New big airy barn type stables Pension 28 days Holiday  
STABLE HAND/HOME GROOM VACATION COVER MAY 2024 EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING HORSES FROM 3 to 23 YRS (NO STALLIONS!) HORSE WALKER AND TURN OUT SERVICES MUCKING OUT FEEDING   Modern Appartment on premises with floor heating, rain shower, WIFI, TV
Searching for a groom to join a growing competition yard with top-class facilities. Confidence and ability to handle fit competition horses from young stock to 4* is a must; with a general love of horses and the sport. Previous experience on a professional yard preferred, but not a necessity. General day-to-day yard duties, lunging, riding etc. HGV a bonus. Applicants must also have/be: • Happy • Enthusiastic • Can-do attitude • A team player • Reliable • Good communication A good salary to reflect level of experience. 5 days a week. Fantastic on-site accommodation available in a 4 bed house. Well behaved dog welcome. Own horse considered.  
*Salary £35,000 PA depending on experience and qualifications.*5 day week *Horse welcomed *Discretionary, generous end of year bonus *Overtime available *Very interesting role We have placed several staff with these employers over the years and most are still in situ with the feedback in all respects extremely positive. ‘Lovely family, a great place to work, nice people, more than fair remuneration Exciting Role on a small yard of 10 rare breed/schoolmaster horses for a really lovely private HNW family. The family reside in the UK seasonally and now needs an accomplished, calm, confident, self-starter with a passion for high standards of horse care and VIP client interactions to join the team. The daily role is inclusive of completing all yard jobs to a high standard, and exercising the horses both under saddle and in the carriage (opportunity to learn to carriage drive if not currently in your skillset). The horses need to be kept in a manner that keeps the horses suitably trained for their intended purpose and with a high level of turnout and yard. In the season the role is similar to a competition groom role, exciting and dynamic with different requests to fulfil on the main premises inclusive of pony riding, carriage driving, trekking, photoshoots, events and more! The ideal candidate would possess their HGV licence, but at minimum, the candidate will need to be confident driving a 3.5t and towing with a manual car and trailer with a willingness to obtain a HGV with the employer’s sponsorship longer-term. The candidate will need to be flexible regarding hours during the “season” the family are in residence as some events run into the evenings, this time is well remunerated and those that go above and beyond to make the residency period run smoothly are well rewarded with a very generous discretionary bonus at the end of the season. Daily working location is based in Hook, Hampshire, main estate based near Windsor, during the “season” you will be required to work from either/both locations. Could be live-in or live-out position but a relocation package is offered whereby the employer provides allowance for accommodation for 4 months, (giving time to look for own accommodation in the area). Amazing private facilities with space for 20 horses but family have <10 : International sized arena, own gallops and show jumps. Great hacking. Call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com
*5 day week * IRO £25K pa +/- plus accommodation neg. 🙂 This vacancy has arisen due to internal promotion. We have placed staff in these roles previously and the feedback is always excellent 🙂 This lovely employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and he and his wife have a strong equestrian background. Good horsemanship skills on the ground with yard & horse management skills being a priority for the role . Candidates should possess all the usual skills, including the ability to turn a horse out Riding optional – the horses are ridden by their owners (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). An interest in carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential and there is an opportunity to learn to drive if you might be interested.  Outings to competitions are shared between the yard manager and this position. You would mostly be travelling to outings in the UK. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business but is looking to be permanently based in the UK permanently in 5/6 years’ time. Integrity, self-reliance initiative and self-starters are a must for this role. Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. No room for a horse but lots of good yards close by. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description English family relocating from Scotland are looking for a live-in groom to start June 2024. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work ad hoc Saturdays or Sundays as needed. The applicant will be in sole-charge of two perfectly behaved cobs and three (pretty perfectly) behaved shetland ponies. The family are currently looking to acquire three further horses / ponies to add to their team. The private estate is a working farm with excellent equine facilities. There is an outdoor arena with show jumps, miles of off-road hacking and plans for an extensive cross country course. This is a very happy and family focussed home, with young children, dogs and other livestock. HGV 7.5 ton license preferable, but for the right candidate the family would sponsor the required training and qualifications. CVs and references will be required. Minimum Requirements All yard duties must be performed to a high standard. Applicant must be a sensitive and confident rider and happy to work through any schooling or behavioural issues. Due to the size of the horses, the family require a lightweight groom, ideally one who is able to exercise and school small stocky ponies. Candidate must be energetic, a team player, with good social skills and the ability to work harmoniously alongside other staff. The family are also looking for a positive, happy groom who would also really enjoy riding with (and teaching where needed) the younger members of the family. A DBS certificate will be required. Accommodation details Idyllic one-bedroom flat adjoined to the main house, overlooking the farm and parkland. This flat is in excellent condition and there is a strong expectation that this standard of accommodation will be maintained by the successful applicant. – Council tax paid for – Water and heating paid for (T&Cs apply) – All other utilities to be covered by the applicant Benefits For the right candidate, this position offers: – The opportunity to bring with them their own horse – The opportunity to bring with them a maximum of two well behaved small pets (indoor cats only) – The opportunity to use the family horse box for personal use (when not in use by the family) Pension as standard  
We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. This Warmblood Stud is the home of Stallions and Broodmares. We have the pleasure of owning and producing beautiful and versatile warmblood horses.  Our bloodlines include some of the top in the  Country ;- Concorde, Kannan, Voltaire, Zirocco Blue, Cardento, Kashmir V. We are based in West Wales near Tregaron in a stunning rural location with purpose built equine facilities with an Equine Therapy and Spa onsite. Set in the midst of the idyllic Cambrian Mountains we are graced with beautiful outriding and our horses benefit with hacking out as part of their daily routines.  These quality Warmbloods are or have competed in show jumping competition in this country and abroad. This full time, live in or out role. We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our team,  getting the best from our horses. This will include general yard duties working as part of the team producing young stock and competing our stallions.   The role is 5 days per week and flexibility if we go out to shows at the week days and weekends. We are a mixed yard competition horses (stallions), youngstock, broodmares and general riding horses. We have some very well bred, exciting youngsters for the future. We are a very busy yard this could be a hugely rewarding role for the right person. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one and own horse considered.  
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg and prorate. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience is required to work on a TEMPORARY basis whilst we find a permanent member of staff for an established and highly motivated team who work to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab career/CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience required to work within an established and highly motivated team to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. This is a great training ground for those established in their career or ambitious individuals wanting to build a career towards yard management and /or competition grooming in the future. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
​*Stunning Cotswold location *IRO £400-£450 +accomm and no bills *5 day week * dog considered* Our client events her horses at all levels (BE90 – 4*)and has some fabulous advanced horses as well as some “up and coming” youngsters. This role is suitable for an experienced Groom who enjoys the competitive environment but is also happy when mostly home grooming. Relevant experience ideal including yard/stable/performance horse management. Youngstock experience a bonus as a few young horses brought in from time to time to bring on. Must be able to turn out to a good basic level. Must be passionate about horses and their care. … Please call Caroline & the Team  on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED *Salary IRO £40k totally negotiable depending on experience plus accommodation *Sponsorship available to suitably qualified non UK citizens *Partner, own horse and pets welcomed (but this is a role with lots of travelling home and internationally) Show Jumping Competition Groom required for a vacancy with a very ambitious and competitive family. Must be an experienced Show Groom in the UK and Internationally with an established referenceable record. Rider is a bonus but certainly not essential. Experienced driving  26t+ lorries and ideally articulated is key. 18 quality jumping horses and homebred/other young stock destined for a career in SJ/jumping all kept in top accommodation to the highest standards. Nice, flexible  accommodation Great team environment with a young, energetic, motivated and progressive team. Top-class facilities Fairly flexible on the number of days worked, can work around anything between 5 and 6 but obviously will be straight through when away at shows You will be well looked after and treated as the professional you have worked hard to become in this very inclusive environment. Must have experience with handling stallions. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
If you have an EU or German passport or the necessary immigration status plus an adventurous spirit and would like to turbocharge your CV – we would like you to get in touch soonest *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge *Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered *Short-term contract positions (6-9 months available), as well as long-term jobs, are available *This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class performance horse yard/ auction site/ sales/youngstock /sales and competition yards and on the same employer’s Stud & AI laboratory (during the Stud season) . The Stud role during the season has 2 key elements:  to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and insemination, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horse people. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you choose at home and abroad. Outside of the season you may well work with young horses/competition horses/auction bound horses etc etc whatever you r preference vs the yards requirements at the time. All up for discussion. This really does offer a rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), and the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Add considerable experience to your CV – why not consider as a short-term contract position (6-9 months available) as well as long-term jobs. If you have an EU or German passport, an adventurous spirit and would like to show what you are capable of or add to your CV, then this could be for you! *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge * Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered. One of the most professional performance horse yards in the world is looking to add to its team with two key Stud Roles to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and inseminations, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horsepeople. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you chose in the future both at home and abroad. A rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
The Stables
Fildyke Road
Meppershall
Bedfordshire
SG17 5LU

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730 / 07747 686 118

Registered company number 10657796good site
Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd is registered with the UK Information Commissioner as a data controller with registered number ZA250621

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