About the role:
This role is much more than just looking after horses. You will become an integral part of our animals’ recovery and rehabilitation. Working with rescued horses is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Our horses have come from various situations including abuse, neglect and abandonment and they bring with them sensitivities and trauma that you will work to repair thus creating relationships based around kindness, trust and patience. We do not ride our horses at Mane Chance, instead we work with them as individuals on a ground level with non-dominance, mutual respect and we run a bespoke method of horse-care which you will be expected to learn and adopt at all times. We also do not rehome our herd, offering them a home for life where they can feel safe and loved. This means that you will build lasting relationships with them and look after their long-term wellbeing, working to give them a quality of life that they deserve.
On occasion, you will be required to assist our community team with the sessions that they offer – this might be bringing horses for gentle meet and greet opportunities to those who are not well enough to go into our fields and tracks or you may assist with group walking of horses around the Sanctuary and surrounding bridle paths.
You will work with our volunteers on a daily basis and lead activities with them, including the daily poo pick, grooming and rehabilitation exercises. You will also be required to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the site including routine safety checks, fence repairs and small maintenance tasks, assist in preparing the site for events and open days and to assist with the development of more junior members of equine staff.
About you:
You have great team-working skills and can motivate yourself and others in a working environment. You are able to work under instruction but also enjoy contributing ideas to team discussions.
You are a fit and energetic person who has experience of and confidence with working with horses - our herds live out in fields and tracks over 80 acres and much of your time is spent out with them in all weathers and by its nature, the role is physically demanding!
You have an interest in natural horsemanship techniques as our horse-care methods are more in line with these than most traditional equine practices and are prepared to learn and adopt our bespoke techniques and policies. You have a desire to rehabilitate animals who have suffered at the hands of humans and are prepared to spend time building relationships - you will be calm and patient when working with our horses as they need to understand and trust you.
You also understand that working with horses is much more than spending time with the animals themselves. You are willing to assist with site routine checks, fence repairs and site maintenance tasks to ensure that the charity provides a safe home for our animals, staff and visitors.
You will also be required to drive on-site vehicles and so will have a current driving licence.
