Horse Behaviour Team Member (Trainer)

Behaviour Training Yard, Tasburgh - South of Norwich

1 x full-time permanent contract - 40 hrs per week (including weekend working)

Salary range: £20,800.00pa (age 18-20) to £25,396.80pa (age 21 and above)

Are you looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career in equine care? If the answer is yes, please read on.

Redwings is one of the largest horse welfare charities in the UK, where everything we do is for the love of the horse. Working for us means you can make a real difference in the lives of the horses in our care while being part of a supportive and progressive workplace.

We have our own self-contained Behaviour Centre and most of the horses referred to the equine behaviour team are either unhandled or have complex behavioural problems. With this in mind, we are looking for a confident individual to join our Behaviour team.

What can we offer you?

• A busy, supportive, team-working environment
• Ongoing development through training and mentoring with opportunities for progression
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Premium pay rates on Sundays and Bank Holidays

About the role

This role focuses on providing exceptional care for our resident equines, as well as assisting in the the rehabilitation of equines with specific and non-specific behavioural problems. 

Key Responsibilities

•    To manage and train nervous and difficult equines, respecting the methods used at the centre.
•    To provide high quality care that ensures all equines have access to suitable water, feed and shelter and to ensure that hygiene is maintained.
•    To ensure stables/shelters are mucked out thoroughly, water containers are clean and refilled, haynets filled and weighed. 
•    To ensure instructions regarding the feeding of equines are followed stringently.
•    To monitor equine health, including lameness.
•    To liaise with senior/veterinary staff of equine ailments and needs.
•    To ensure paddocks are clean and checked for hazards.
•    To catch and hold nervous horses for the farrier and /or veterinary purposes. 
•    To adhere strictly to Health & Safety procedures operated at the centre to ensure the safety of staff and equines. 
•    To transport equines safely – as an assistant and/or driver of horsebox/trailer – subject to training if necessary.
•    To carry out ATV driving – subject to training if necessary.
•    To use appropriate equine handling equipment.
•    To understand the importance of effective communication, observation and unified team work.
•    To work in a calm, consistent and patient manner.
•    To work on a rota basis, to include weekends.
•    To liaise regularly and support and assist the Equine Behaviour Manager.
•    To be an effective team member, with good communication.

Person specification

Essential criteria

1.  Basic knowledge of equine care, handling, and welfare issues.
2.  Ability to monitor equine health and welfare.
3.  Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
4.  Ability to prioritize workload and make informed decisions.
5.  Committed to equine needs with attention to detail and adherence to procedures.
6.  Calm, patient, and able to work with nervous or abused equines.
7.  Flexible and a strong team player.
8.  Professional interaction with staff and the public.
9.  Willingness to attend meetings and training sessions.

Desirable Criteria

1.  Formal qualifications in an equine related subject.
2.  Previous experience of working with equines.
3.  Experience of working with driving / carriage horses.
4.  Awareness of humane horse handling methods and enthusiasm to learn new skills in this area.

Please be aware that we may close this vacancy once we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply early.