Experienced Senior Yard Professional

**Lavant Equestrian – South Downs National Park £15–£20 per hour, dependent on experience Full-time | Up to 40 hours per week | Two full days off Includes weekday evenings and weekends

Lavant Equestrian is looking for an experienced senior yard professional to join our team as Yard Supervisor.

This is not an entry-level position. You must have substantial professional yard experience and be confident taking sole charge of a busy yard, leading a team and taking responsibility for day-to-day operations.

You may currently be a Senior Groom, Head Groom, Yard Supervisor, Yard Manager or similar. You do not need to have held the Yard Supervisor title, but you must have experience taking responsibility for a yard and supervising others.

This is a senior, physically demanding and hands-on role. You will need to be a knowledgeable and confident horse person who can lead by example, make sensible decisions, maintain high standards and work alongside the team.

We are looking for someone reliable, organised and calm under pressure, with the initiative to see what needs doing and act on it. You must also be friendly, approachable and professional in a busy, client-facing environment.

Previous riding school or busy equestrian centre experience is a distinct advantage, as the role requires excellent organisation, time management and an understanding of how horse care, lessons, staff and clients work together.

Applicants from other professional equestrian backgrounds are welcome. BHS qualifications are desirable but not essential – professional experience, horse knowledge and leadership ability are more important.

Interested?

Please apply with details of your professional yard experience, staff supervision, sole-charge responsibilities and any riding-school experience.

Applications without professional yard experience and experience supervising or leading others will not be considered

About the Role Working closely with the General Manager, you will help ensure the smooth, efficient and professional daily running of the yard. Key responsibilities include: • Taking sole charge of the yard when required • Leading, organising and supervising the yard team • Allocating and delegating daily duties and ensuring high standards are maintained • Working hands-on alongside the team and leading by example • Liaising closely with the General Manager regarding staffing, operations and horse welfare • Ensuring yard systems, routines and procedures are followed consistently • Overseeing horse care including feeding, hay, turnout, catching-in and general welfare • Monitoring horses and identifying health, behaviour or welfare concerns • Ensuring horses are groomed, correctly equipped and punctually presented for lessons • Confidently handling a wide variety of horses and ponies • Supporting the efficient running of lesson changeovers and daily horse movements • Maintaining a clean, organised and professional yard • Providing a friendly and professional presence for clients and visitors • Using initiative and taking appropriate action when problems arise About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate: • Current or recent professional experience on a busy equestrian yard • Previous experience taking sole charge of a yard • Previous experience supervising or leading a yard team • Strong practical horse knowledge and confident handling skills • A good understanding of horse welfare and day-to-day yard management • Strong leadership, organisation and decision-making skills • The ability to delegate while still being willing to get stuck in • Excellent communication and people skills • A friendly, approachable and professional manner • Reliability and a strong sense of responsibility • A full UK driving licence

What We Offer • £15–£20 per hour, dependent on experience • Up to 40 hours per week with two full days off • A supportive, professional and motivated team • A beautiful working environment within the South Downs National Park • Riding opportunities for the right candidate • Ongoing training and development • A varied range of well-cared-for horses and ponies • A well-organised, undercover indoor yard • Free onsite parking and a warm staff room • A varied senior role with genuine responsibility