Assistant Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Our Ethos Hope Meadows Equine Assisted Recovery CIC offers people the opportunity to access affordable, professional mental health support that incorporates horses as part of the therapeutic journey. We offer equine assisted counselling/psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, and a variety of horse-based skills groups for people of all ages. We passionately believe everyone should be able to afford a therapy that is right for them and is delivered to a high standard. Hope Meadows is a young organisation experiencing a high level of growth year on year. Our team is innovate, forward thinking, and creative in our approach to supporting mental health. Potential applicants should share this ethos and should feel excited by the opportunity for "thinking outside the box" that this role offers. Team Wellbeing We pride ourselves on prioritising the wellbeing of our team and promote compassion throughout our organisation. We offer a package that includes regular reviews, group clinical supervision, internal CPD, unlimited paid holiday (after probation period), flexible hours, team building days, and a supportive culture. Our therapy horses are part of the team and are kept in a way that fulfils their physical and psychological needs. They are given 'annual leave', regular physiotherapy/dentistry/farriery, and are kept on a track system 24/7. We treat them with an awareness of the needs of a therapeutic herd and this is brought into our work with clients. The Role The role is part time at 15-20 hours a week, with potential for more hours as the organisation grows. Initial working hours are Tuesday/Thursday (afternoons/evenings) and a Saturday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. The role primarily involves assisting our Therapeutic Riding Instructor to deliver the therapeutic riding programme. This involves working with adults and children who have mild-moderate mental health difficulties on a 1:1 basis, supporting them towards better mental and physical wellbeing through therapeutic horse riding. Our therapeutic riding programme is focused on a mindful approach that develops the rider's connection to the horse and to their own body, focusing on awareness, intention, and energy. The role will also include delivering 1:1 and group stable management sessions as required. In addition, there is an expectation to support our Therapeutic Riding Instructor with diary management and administrative tasks. The successful applicant is likely to be an experienced horse rider with some knowledge of supporting individuals or prior coaching experience. We are an outdoors service and this role includes working in adverse weather all year round. A level of physical fitness is essential. Responsibilities: • To work as an accountable and autonomous practitioner in an equine assisted service, working with adults and children who are struggling with their mental health, in a manner which demonstrates compassion and competence • Hold a caseload of riding clients and facilitate stable management groups. • Establish effective working relationships with clients and their families. • Work creatively and flexibly to plan, implement, monitor, and review clients progress. • Assist our Therapeutic Riding Instructor with diary management and administrative tasks. • Exhibit high levels of reflection, organisation, and efficient diary management. • Participate in team meetings and development, contributing to our culture and upholding our ethos.​ Skills and Experience: • Experienced horse rider • Experience of working with adults and/or children with mental health needs • Experience of coaching horse riding (desirable) • Professional equestrian coaching qualification (desirable) Job Type: Part-time Pay: £12.50 per hour Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week Benefits: • Company pension • Unlimited paid holidays