Equine Groom Apprenticeship

Pony Pursuits are looking for an Equine Groom Apprentice to join their small team. The right candidate will have a passion for helping to care for horses and enjoy working with young clients who attend the riding centre, there's lots of variety at this yard from pony birthday parties to therapy sessions for learners with SEN needs .

What you will do

Pony pursuits are a riding centre, who specialise in non formal riding experiences, such as country hacks, ride and groom sessions, pony therapy and birthday parties.

There will also be opportunities to attend public and private events.

Daily duties include all general yard duties and animal husbandry for the other small animals there:

• Mucking out/keeping yard tidy
• Filling water buckets / haynets
• Making feeds
• Grooming/ tacking up
• Assisting with lessons and leading
• Some riding available
• Assisting with adults and children with additional needs

Training

• You will be working towards achieving your Level 2 Equine Groom apprenticeship, and also completing your maths and English Functional skills at level 1 or 2 if required
• All training will be completed at the employer's premises by the employer and Haddon Training

After the apprenticeship

• Potential progression to the Level 3 Senior Equine Groom apprenticeship or employment for the right candidate

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Happy to work outdoors

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE or equivalent, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE or equivalent, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

This opportunity will require working outdoors in all weathers and working with children. There is no accommodation available on site so any potential candidate must be able to make their way reliably to and from the yard each day. This location is not easily accessible by public transport.

About the employer

PONY PURSUITS is a 5 star riding establishment based just outside of Oxford. We offer affordable rides for Adults & Children regardless of age and experience.

We have moved to our new location, Huckleberry Farm in March 2022 and all bookings will now take place there. However, later in 2023 we hope to resume Woodland Rides in Shotover Country Park, Oxford on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

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
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Working 5 days out of 7. Shifts to be discussed with the successful applicant. Evenings and weekend work may be required.
• Start date: 26 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year