Job description
Laura is a 27 year old International 4* Eventer, coach, young horse producer and breeder based at Spear Hill Stud in West Sussex where she has a small purpose built yard of up to 14 horses, as well as being a BHS accredited professional coach and holds her UKCC L2 Coaching Certificate. Laura started riding at the age of 4 and progressed up through the levels in the Pony Club on her first pony who gave Laura her first taste of producing horses and eventing. Laura then went on to compete and win at numerous Pony Club and NSEA Schools Championships on young horses whilst under the age of 18, including winning the Pony Club Intermediate Eventing Championships. In 2018, Laura won the Mark Todd Bridging the Gap Scholarship as well as being accepted onto the British Equestrian Federation Young Professionals Programme. Between 2019 & 2022, Laura had several international placings, qualified for 5* level as well as winning the 3*S at Cornbury in 2021 and the 2*L at Bicton in 2022. In 2021, Laura was also selected for the British Equestrian Eventing Podium Potential Pathway supported by UK Sport and the National Lottery. Spear Hill Stud, Rehabilitation and Performance is set within 38 acres of old pastureland at Spear Hill Farm and has amazing facilities including: 14 box American Barn, 5 bay covered Monarch horse walker, 60m x 30m sand and fibre mix arena with an underground irrigation system, Water Treadmill and a TheraPlate.
As an Apprentice Groom you will work as part of a team assisting in the smooth running of the yard and care of the horses ranging from foals to 4* and have the opportunity to stable your own horse with Laura, with access to all the facilities at Spear Hill Stud and benefit from Laura’s coaching and support at competitions.
Duties to include, but not limited:
- General groom and yard duties looking after horses ranging from foals to 4* horses.
- Routine yard and field duties, mucking out, poo-picking, watering, feeding, tidying, cleaning.
- Handling horses: turning out and bringing in from the fields, taking on and off the horse walker, washing off, grooming, tacking up.
- Handling tack and equipment, rugging up, cleaning tack.
- Assisting, as required, during sports science specialists’ visits eg vet, farrier, physio & dentist.
- Assisting with competition preparation and travelling.
- Occasional competition and training groom.
- Option to hack (depending on ability).
You will learn the highest standards of horse care and how to manage event horses helping them to reach their full potential at the top level of the sport. Every day is different and an important characteristic to be successful in the role is having a natural desire for high standards and being keen to continuously learn.
Our team members are positive, motivated and not afraid of physical work or an outdoor active lifestyle in all weather! But most importantly the love of horses, with a kind and caring disposition.
An Apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn and have fun whilst working and gaining a qualification along the way.
Skills and Qualities
- Be observant
- Good Communication Skills
- Work to very high standards of horse care and yard tidiness
- Able to listen to, understand and follow instructions
- High attention to detail
- Willing to learn
- Kind and Caring
- Conscientious and dedicated
- Honest and Reliable
- Loyal and Trustworthy
- Punctual and good time keeping
- Self motivated and able to work part of a team.
- Positive and enthusiastic
- Calm demeanour
Desired Qualifications
- English and maths GCSE’s, or equivalents, are desired, but not essential.
- Driving licence (desired due to location or must have the means to travel to location)
- Applicants must not already hold a level 2 or higher in Horse Care to be eligible for a level 2 apprenticeship, if you already hold we may consider a level 3 senior groom for the right candidate.
Training
- Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment.
- The applicant will be working towards and gain a Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship.
- The learner will be allocated an industry specific training consultant who will provide both remote and onsite visits throughout the apprenticeship.
- The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.
Future Prospects
- Gain other qualifications eg Pony Club Tests
- Groom at competitions
- Potential future employment for the right candidate
- Head Boy/Girl
Things to consider
- If you would like to read more about the course content visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/?
- KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise.
- The apprentice will be working to build a portfolio of evidence and will be required to pass a knowledge test and an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship.
Apply here : https://keits.co.uk/apprentice_vacancies/equine-groom-apprentice-laura-schroter-eventing
Job Type: Apprenticeship
Salary: £5.28 per hour
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Equine Groom Apprentice - West Sussex. RH13 8PY