An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and capable Stable Yard Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of a private stable yard and associated paddocks on a beautiful country estate near Henley-on-Thames. We are looking for a practical, knowledgeable and highly organised individual who takes pride in maintaining horses, paddocks and equestrian facilities to a very high standard. This is a hands-on position but, importantly, we are looking for someone capable of taking ownership of the yard and managing it proactively, rather than simply carrying out a daily list of tasks.

The Stable Yard Manager will have overall day-to-day responsibility for the horses, stable yard, paddocks and associated equestrian facilities. Responsibilities will include: • Day-to-day care and welfare of the horses • Feeding, turnout, bringing in and general stable management • Monitoring horses closely and identifying any health, soundness or behavioural concerns • Liaising with vets, farriers, dentists and other equine professionals • Managing vaccination, worming, faecal egg-count and other routine healthcare programmes • Maintaining appropriate feed, bedding and other supplies • Ensuring horses are well mannered and handled correctly • Maintaining consistently high standards throughout the stable yard • Grass and pasture management • Planning grazing and paddock rotation • Monitoring field condition and preventing over-grazing • Maintaining fencing, gates and water supplies • Identifying and dealing with damaged fencing, fallen trees and other hazards • Organising topping, harrowing, rolling, reseeding and fertilising as required • Weed control and general paddock maintenance • Working with the wider estate team and contractors where necessary

We are looking for someone with substantial practical equestrian experience who is confident taking responsibility for a private yard. The Yard Manager will also be responsible for ensuring that the yard, stables and equestrian facilities are properly maintained, identifying work that needs doing and ensuring problems are dealt with before they become significant.

The successful candidate is likely to be: • An experienced horse person with excellent standards of horse care • Confident and competent around a variety of horses • Knowledgeable about pasture and paddock management • Practical and able to identify maintenance issues • Extremely organised and reliable • Proactive rather than waiting to be instructed • Capable of planning work ahead and managing their own time • Comfortable liaising with vets, farriers, suppliers and contractors • Able to keep sensible records and manage routine expenditure • Happy working as part of the wider estate team • Discreet and comfortable working within a private family environment

Previous experience as a Yard Manager, Stud Manager, Head Groom or similar senior equestrian position would be particularly relevant.

A full UK driving licence is required. Experience with tractors, trailers and other estate or equestrian machinery would be advantageous.

Accommodation & Package Good-quality accommodation is provided with the position. Salary will be competitive and dependent upon experience. This is a long-term opportunity for someone who wants to take genuine responsibility for a well-run private yard and its horses and become an important part of the wider estate team. Location: Henley-on-Thames area, Oxfordshire Position: Full-time, permanent Accommodation: Provided Salary: Competitive, dependent upon experience