Riding Groom

Role: Riding Groom

District/Department: Operational Support Unit

Location: Barnsley

Salary: £25,242 - £27,204

Hours: 37 hours (working Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm on a rolling shift pattern)

Contract Type: Permanent

As a Riding Groom you will provide general equestrian service to meet the care and welfare, grooming and exercising needs of the horses to enable the mounted unit to achieve its maximum operational potential.

• Assist on the yards with daily tasks as required to a high standard as directed.
• Strap and quarter horses to prepare them for service or exercise and after service or exercise as directed.
• Exercise sick, lame or spare horses by riding, lunging or walking in hand as directed.
• Exercise and school on the lunge/riding, long-reining or work in hand horses as directed by the training staff and in accordance with their training plan.
• To exercise by riding and lunging/long-reining or in ‑ hand work any other loan/police horses that require work.
• Maintain a log of all exercise done with any loan/police horse and in line with the horses training plan OR Action plan.
• Comply with the requirements of SYP's policies on Drug and Alcohol testing – requirements in respect of specific posts/ roles are described in the policies which are available on the Intranet/SharePoint. Carry out other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities,and grading of the post.

• Experience and confidence in handling, from the ground, a variety of horses and have knowledge of in hand training techniques.
• BHS Stages 3/Riding Groom or equivalent qualification OR practical experience.
• Worked as a Groom in a large-scale stables/riding school.
• Dealt with basic emergencies and horse heath care.
• Safely lunge/long-rein a trained horse.
• Knowledge of horses including handling, leading, welfare, safety/security and general care.
• Knowledge of dealing with basic emergencies e.g. medicines/dressings.
• Able to carry out duties including lifting, bending, stooping, climbing, loading/unloading, carrying. (This post is subject to medical examination).
• Flexible approach to areas of work according to rostered schedules.
• Prepared to work an alternating/ rotating shift system.

Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview.

• A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working
• A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust
• Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police
• Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice
• Flexible lifestyle benefits such as:
  Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme
• Committed to embedding sustainability:
  South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy  (yhrn.police)
• Membership to the Sports and Social Club
• Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks

Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which must be taken into account for individuals applying to work with South Yorkshire Police in any capacity. A minimum checkable history of 3 years is required for this role and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure is a pre-requisite of employment with South Yorkshire Police.

South Yorkshire Police is committed to striking a proportionate balance between self-expression and the need to maintain role sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Officers, staff, and volunteers of South Yorkshire Police are permitted to have tattoos visible whilst on duty provided the tattoo is not considered to be unacceptable or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.

For further information about the role, please contact:
Collette Hunter on

15 July 2026