Racing Groom Apprentice

Joe Tickle Racing is a small, family-run dual-purpose racing yard based at Lower Ford on the Devon downs, training horses both on the Flat and over jumps.

What you'll do

Daily jobs will include;

• Mucking out/keeping yard area tidy
• Feeding/filling hay nets and water buckets
• Turning in and out
• Picking out feet/rugging up
• Grooming/tacking up
• Tack cleaning
• Bathing/show prep
• Lunging/long reining
• Holding for farrier/vet/dentist
• Riding for the right candidate
• Accompanying horses to races

This position is for someone that already has good experience in riding thoroughbreds/young horses.

Training

• You will be working towards the Level 2 Racing apprenticeship qualification, and all training will be provided on-site during your paid working hours
• Your day-to-day mentoring will be with your employer, and a combination of online and in person monthly sessions will be held with your Haddon Training Trainer Coach

After the apprenticeship

• There is also the possibility of progressing on to the Level 3 Senior Racing Groom apprenticeship for the right candidate

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Presentation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Passion for Horses

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4 and Above)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4 and Above)

Things to consider

• On-site accommodation is available

About the employer

Joe and Danielle Tickle and has 16 licensed stables, alongside two isolation boxes and nine point-to-point boxes. Facilities include carpet, sand and grass gallops, a horse walker, sand schooling area, starting stalls, practice hurdles and fences, and approximately 10 acres providing all-year turnout.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Equine groom (level 2), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: HADDON TRAINING LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 3 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Working 5 day per week, 8:30am- 5:00pm with 1½ hours lunch.

(Weekend work may be required)

• Start date: 26 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year