Equine Care Assistant

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. We are looking for an Equine Care Assistant to help us continue our work at Lowlands Equestrian Centre, in Warwickshire. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Equine Care Assistant Reports to :  Centre Manager Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire Hours: Full Time 40 hours – Sunday to Thursday Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £27,436 Role Purpose The Equine Care Assistant supports the day-to-day care and management of equines, ensuring high standards of welfare, cleanliness, and organisation across the yard and Centre. The role involves practical hands-on duties and contributing to the efficient running of daily routines. Key Responsibilities Daily Equine Care · Carry out routine yard duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organised environment. · Undertake mucking out, ensuring stables are hygienic and comfortable. · Provide and distribute hay and feed as directed. · Undertake general field maintenance, including poo picking to support pasture hygiene and safety. · Assist with grooming of horses to maintain health and presentation. · Clean and maintain tack and equipment to a high standard. · Exercise the equines to keep them at appropriate fitness levels required for their workload Horse Preparation · Prepare horses for sessions, including: o Grooming and basic health checks o Tacking up and untacking o Ensuring horses are ready and suitable for their planned activities Routine Oversight · Follow and support established daily routines for feeding, turnout, and stable management. · Monitor horses for any changes in behaviour, condition, or health and report concerns promptly. · Assist in maintaining consistency in care routines across the yard. General Support · Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure efficient yard operations. · Maintain high standards of health and safety at all times. · Support additional equine-related tasks as required. Person Specification Essential Criteria · Basic experience working with horses in a yard environment. · Knowledge of standard yard duties and equine care practices. · Confidence in handling horses safely. · Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks. · Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions. · Good awareness of health and safety in an equine setting. Desirable Criteria · Relevant equine qualification or training (e.g., BHS Stage 1 or equivalent). · Experience preparing horses for lessons, therapy sessions, or similar activities. · Understanding of equine behaviour and basic health indicators. Personal Attributes · Positive and hardworking attitude. · Attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards. · Team player with good communication skills. · Calm, patient, and welfare-focused approach to working with horses. · Willingness to learn and develop skills