Yard Person - RoR at the National Horseracing Museum

To support in the day-to-day operation of the RoR Yard at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket.  This is a full-time position but a job share would be considered. 40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 days by arrangement, 8.00am to 5.00pm April to October/7.30am to 4.30pm November to March.  Salary dependent on experience. 

To educate the visiting public on the adaptability of former racehorses, to include providing twice daily behind-the-scenes tours, enabling the public to see at first-hand what is involved in retraining a former racehorse and the benefits of RoR’s involvement in supporting former racehorses and their owners.

To publicly promote the interests of the National Horse Racing Museum and RoR – raising the profile of former racehorses and their adaptability in a variety of second careers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Working closely with the RoR Yard Manager and to deputise for the Yard Manager on days off and over holiday period.  To assist with the management, care and welfare of former racehorses in the RoR yard including public access/viewing.  Maintain the horses, premises and equipment to a high standard. To assist with the provision of demonstrations or events, given by outside parties, using horses from in or outside the yard to promote other equestrian disciplines (e.g., Horseball, Polo, Dressage etc). To respond to approaches from the general public and explain RoR’s activities and related matters. Assist any full or part time staff (employed or voluntary) to look after, care for and exercise the former racehorses in the yard. Work closely and collaboratively with the National Horse Racing Museum staff where required for events management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience Required

• Extensive experience of horse handling (preferably with thoroughbreds) Experience of riding sports & leisure horses (ideally retraining racehorses and/or youngsters) Experience of ground work such as lunging and long reining Experience of caring for and turning out horses to a high standard Experience of public-facing education or promotion roles Experience of communicating with a diverse range of people from the general public to owners and trainers.

Particular Skills Required

• Good attention to detail Excellent face-to-face and public facing communication skills Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to achieve the yard’s goals; assisting colleagues and supervising junior staff to achieve the same Awareness of general sensitivities or antagonism towards racing and how to portray the positive sides of the industry Understanding of British Horseracing and RoR

Person Specification

• Supportive of the role and remit of RoR Awareness of animal welfare charities, particularly equestrian Professional and reliable Proven ability to use initiative and to be proactive Team player with the ability to work on own initiative Must be physically fit and active Capable, confident and assertive Must have a flexible and adaptable attitude to work, both in approach and hours worked

Special Circumstances

• Weekend and bank holiday working will be required on a rota Some anti-social hours may be required Overtime will be paid under specific circumstances.