Job Title: Equine Groom Apprentice

Apprenticeship: Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship

Location: Crowborough, East Sussex

Salary: £8.00 per hour

Hours: Full-time, 35–40 hours per week

If horses are your passion and you’re looking to turn that passion into a career, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a busy and varied equestrian environment.

You’ll join an established equestrian education centre, pony racing academy and Pony Club centre, gaining practical experience across horse care, stable management, riding school activities and competition preparation. With exposure to different areas of the equine industry, this is an exciting opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while working towards your Level 2 Equine Groom qualification.

Benefits

• Earn whilst you study towards a Level 2 Equine Groom qualification
• Hands-on experience within an equestrian education centre
• Exposure to a Pony Racing Academy and Pony Club centre
• Experience within a busy riding school, livery and competition environment
• Opportunity to attend and support a variety of equestrian activities
• Learn alongside experienced equine professionals
• Develop a broad range of practical horse care and stable management skills
• Excellent foundation for a long-term career within the equine industry

Requirements

• Previous experience of owning, loaning or regularly caring for a horse is preferred
• Basic understanding of horse care and welfare
• Genuine passion for horses and the equine industry
• Comfortable carrying out physically demanding duties, including mucking out and lifting hay nets
• Strong attention to detail
• Reliable, responsible and hardworking
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively as part of a busy team
• GCSEs at grades A–C / 4–9 in English and Maths, or equivalent

Responsibilities for an Apprentice

• Carry out thorough mucking out and maintain clean, safe stables
• Fill hay nets and prepare feeds according to individual horses’ requirements
• Groom horses and maintain their coats, hooves and overall cleanliness
• Turn horses out safely into paddocks
• Carry out poo picking and help maintain paddock areas
• Lunge horses to an appropriate standard
• Safely manage horses on and off the horse walker
• Clean and maintain tack and other equestrian equipment
• Assist with the general day-to-day care and welfare of horses
• Support riding school, livery and wider equestrian centre activities
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the yard
• Support experienced team members with additional duties where required
• Develop practical knowledge and confidence across different areas of equine care

Apprenticeship Information

You will be enrolled on the Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship, typically completed over 18 months. This includes:

• Regular workplace-based learning supported by your training provider and line manager
• A minimum of 6 hours per week of off-the-job training
• Development of skills, knowledge and behaviours aligned to the apprenticeship standard
• Completion of a portfolio and end-point assessment
• Functional Skills support in English or Maths if not previously achieved at Level 2

Prospects

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to progress into a permanent role and continue developing your career within the equine industry. The broad experience gained across an equestrian education centre, pony racing academy and Pony Club environment will provide an excellent foundation for a variety of future equine careers.

For more information or to apply, please contact Angela Potter at Next Step Apprenticeships on 01273 063769, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.