Equine Yard Manager

We are passionate about the potential of horses and horse related activity to promote improved mental, physical and emotional health in people of all ages. At our state of the art facility we deliver a wide range of activities and programmes through our herd of 14 equines, 7 staff and 200 dedicated volunteers. We offer RDA riding, vaulting, stable management, carriage driving, BHS Changing Lives Through Horses and a number of pioneering programmes to support young people and adults to develop skills and confidence. You will be a skilled and capable manager with an excellent knowledge of all areas of horse care and stable management. You will be passionate about welfare and have excellent knowledge of different training methods to keep horses working well and enjoying their daily routine The yard will run smoothly thanks to your excellent organisation and communication skills. Responsible to: Centre Manager Responsible for: Setting the standard of equine care and stable management Hours: 40 hrs per week, including a Saturday or Sunday Salary : £25,500-£27,500 (pro rata) depending upon experience Leading the yard team of paid assistants and volunteers to ensure the health and wellbeing of our horses and ponies through excellent care, management and exercise routines. Working with all members of the team and external practitioners to maintain healthy, happy equines for ridden, driven and ground based activities. Duties Equines 1. Develop programmes to ensure our equines are suitable for our RDA and other activities 2. Manage and coordinate all aspects of day to day yard operations including ordering feed, managing grazing, water and shelter 3. Develop exercise, training, nutrition and care programmes to ensure that our equines are in excellent mental and physical health 4. Meet standards to maintain five star standard Hiring of horses licence and BHS Approved Centre status 5. Liaise with vets, farriers and other equine professionals as appropriate 6. Prepare equines for RDA sessions, competition and other events on and off site 7. Maintain horse records on EC Pro and all equine associated policies and procedures 8. Ensure compliance with all RDA and BHS equine policies and procedures 9. Develop the Centre’s equine provision through acquisition, training and sale Volunteers and Participants 10.Develop and maintain processes for excellent yard management utalising the skills of volunteers as appropriate 11. Provide relevant equine related training for volunteers 12. Enable the integration and support of volunteers with special needs for whom mentors may be selected and trained 13. Ensure compliance with policies including in respect to GDPR and record keeping, DBS safeguarding, confidentiality and use of personal information, and supporting the team’s compliance with funding and contractual obligations 14. Timetable and plan tasks for volunteers to include yard duties and assisting in ridden sessions General duties 15. Work as part of the senior team to shape the vision for the future of the Centre 16. Provide flexible support to the wider charity as reasonably required, fulfilling occasional alternative duties as requested, so that expertise is deployed to meet business priorities at a level consistent with those outlined in this job description 17. Encourage a culture of support at the Centre which reflects our mission and provides a positive and supportive environment for participants, volunteers and staff 18. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with staff, volunteers, participants and carers Person Specification (E = Essential D = Desirable) SKILLS AND CORE COMPETENCIES Technical competency (qualifications and training) · BHS Stage 3 or equivalent experience - E · Proficient, experienced rider -E · Experience of yard management in a riding school environment - E · BHS Stage 4 or equivalent experience - D · RDA coaching experience - D • Evidence of continuing professional development – E • Knowledge of BSL / Makaton - D • Good IT skills and ability to use a range of programmes and applications– E • Licence to drive 7.5 tonne lorry -D • First Aid at work certificate- D Experience • Proven leadership and management abilities, with experience in supervising a team -E • Experience of equine care and stable management- E • Experience of working with a broad range of people – E • Experience of meeting deadlines and prioritising own work – E • Experience of completing risk assessments -E • Experience of working alongside volunteers- D Skills and Attributes • Budget management - E • Good relationship management skills; ability to engage confidently and sensitively with stakeholders and partners -E • Excellent organisational skills; ability to demonstrate capability in multiple tasking in multiple task management -E • A passion for making a difference- E • Strong work ethic and excellent team working abilities -E • Proactive and self-motivated-E • Willing and enthusiastic-E