Email hr@strengthlearningthroughhorses.org for full Job Description.

Please include cover letter stating relevant experience and CV to be considered for the role. This role may close early if a suitable candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

We are seeking a Yard Manager to: 1 - Take ownership of the management of our yard and horses, leading our yard team to ensure our horses are cared for to the highest possible standard 2 – Deliver our vocational educational offer to young people in collaboration with our Education Service Lead. This includes delivering but not limited to BHS Programme; BHS Stages, BHS Renewals.

JOB SUMMARY: Qualifications and Experience. Essential : Demonstrable knowledge and experience of caring for a variety of horses in different settings, including those living out full time. A good understanding of line management and able to train/upskill staff A high level of practical competence and theoretical knowledge, in all areas of horse care and yard management, to at least BHS Level Three Groom/Level Three Horse Care Demonstrable interest and experience in training horses from a psychologically informed perspective; including groundwork techniques. Experience or ability to train apprentices. Confidence, tact and experience managing staff. Excellent communication skills. Experience and competence liaising with professionals such as veterinary surgeons and farriers. Physically fit and able to undertake all physical horse care and stable management tasks. A commitment to continued learning about horse psychology & an openness to receiving training in horse psychology, learning theory and training approaches from a variety of professionals Preferable: BHS Level Three Groom or a Level Three Apprenticeship in Horse Care and Management e.g. KEITS Senior Equine Groom. Experience training staff; apprentices and volunteers. Experience managing “barefoot” horses

Staff Management: The Professional Training & Horse Care Manager will work as a member of the management team and will be responsible for developing maintaining and supervising yard staff, apprentices and volunteers in regard to all aspects of stable management and the efficient running of the yard, the health and well-being of the horses and the safety of all, including young people attending SLTH. They will Line Manage 2 – 4 staff members comprising of an Assistant Yard Manager, Groom as well as weekend and evening stable staff, apprentices and volunteers. There are 13 horses at SLTH, many of whom are Working Retirement Liveries so managing the livery clients is also required. The Professional Training & Horse Care Manager will be responsible for developing the skills of staff and volunteers as well as sharers of SLTH horses and delivering vocational training to our older students via:

• Apprenticeships
• British Horse Society Changing Lives Through Horses Programme
• British Horse Society Stages
• Additional vocational qualifications in horse care and management where appropriate

They will sit as part of a team of 14 contracted staff members and a further 18 freelance staff members and will be required to work collaboratively with all staff to ensure the horse management and yard management also meets the needs of the programme delivery teams.

As a member of the staff management team, they will thrive working as part of a team, and be able to:

Show excellent communication to staff at all levels and to instil confidence in horse training/knowledge.

Have good level of self-reflection to understand their own approaches to horse training and the limits to their experience which will be supported via a strong CPD program.