Yard Assistant

The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket is looking for an experienced Yard Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of the historic Rothschild Yard and assist in the care and welfare of its resident ex-racehorses.

The position will also engage and educate the Museum’s visitors of the important role in re-training former racehorses through daily behind the scenes tours.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with the Yard Manager to support the team, including volunteers and deputising on days off and over holiday periods.

To assist with the care, exercising and welfare of former racehorses.

To ensure the stables and paddock areas are kept safe, tidy and presentable at all times and that the arena is suitably prepared for bookings.

To provide behind the scenes tours and assist with the provision of riding and re-training demonstrations in the arena and to engage and educate the Museum’s visitors.

To work closely with the Yard Manager and Museum’s Events Team to provide an exciting and engaging programme of horse related paddock and arena events to support the Museum’s commercial agenda.

To support the Yard Manager in dealing with arena hire bookings.

To carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Yard Manager.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Experience of horse handling.

Experience of groundwork such as lunging and long reining.

Experience of caring for and turning out horses to a high standard.

A good level of fitness.

An awareness of health and safety.

A team player, with a flexible, can do attitude.

Excellent communication skills and confident in speaking to visitors.

Awareness of general sensitivities or antagonism towards racing and how to portray the positive sides of the industry.

Understanding of British Horseracing and retraining of racehorses.

HOURS OF WORK

 Part time, 3 days per week, 8am to 5pm Tues, Wed and Thurs