Equine Groom​/Outdoor Activity Instructor

This hybrid role combines the hands‑on care of our horses with the delivery of engaging activities for our guests, with approximately 70% of the time dedicated to grooming and stable duties. As an Equine Groom, you will be responsible for the daily care of the horses, including feeding, mucking out, grooming, tacking, exercising, and monitoring their health, while supporting the stables team and contributing to horse management records.

The remaining 30% of your time will be spent as an Outdoor Activity Instructor, leading sessions in line with safety and NGB guidelines, maintaining equipment, and enhancing the guest experience through enthusiastic delivery of activities. Responsibilities also include a night duty and weekend working on a rotational basis. This role offers the opportunity to develop skills across both equestrian and activity instruction, contributing to the smooth running and continual development of the centre.

• Keeping the horses clean and well fed, filling hay nets and water buckets, measuring feed and any supplements required
• Replacing bedding
• Leading horses from their stables to the fields and back
• Preparing them for riding: cleaning, grooming and clipping horses
• Tacking up horses and getting them ready for riding lessons
• Cleaning the tack
• Checking for signs that an animal is unwell and reporting any problems to the Yard Manager or Stables Supervisor
• Mucking out stables, sweeping the yard and stacking feed and bedding
• Recording and helping with the management of vaccinations, worming and shoeing accordingly
• Removing droppings, weeds and litter from fields
• Prepared to develop skills towards gaining BHS qualifications
• To participate in internal and external training appropriate to the role
• Provide assistance to other members of the immediate and wider team as required
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested to ensure the smooth running of the organisation

• Responsible for the provision of a high‑quality experience for all guests
• To deliver activities according to NGB and Health and Safety guidelines
• Responsible for the care, storage and maintenance of activity equipment and in helping to develop/maintain these where applicable
• To lead the provision of activities in accordance with the operating procedures in the Instructor Handbook and supporting training
• Night duty responsibilities: ensure the safety and well‑being of guests and staff in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines
• Care, storage and issue of equipment
• Maintenance of activity equipment
• Enthusiasm to see continual centre development, looking for opportunities to improve the guest experience each year
• Support the work of all departments in the centre as prioritised by your manager
• Assistance with general duties and other work as deemed appropriate
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of our customers and the centre
• Keep up to date with all governing body memberships and legislation as appropriate
• To participate in internal and external training appropriate to the role
• Provide assistance to other members of the immediate and wider team as required
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested to ensure the smooth running of the organisation

• A minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience working within the equine industry professionally, or equivalent experience gained through horse ownership and hands‑on care
• Hold minimum of either CWI or PSI
• Experience working with disabilities in outdoor situations
• Sufficient instructional background to work across a diverse ability range
• An ability and confidence to work with guests with special needs and carers
• Capability to develop resources

• Positive and solution based
• Proactive and reliable
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Work with initiative and work independently
• Well presented, punctual and approachable
• Passionate about working with a variety of people with disabilities
• Passionate about outdoor recreation being available to all
• Able to lead a fun, multi‑activity programme

• A groom qualification or equivalent
• Current First Aid at Work

• Long season
• A collaborative, fun, and supportive workplace
• Personal growth and development opportunities
• Free on‑site parking
• A stunning location with walks right on your doorstep
• 29 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with length of service increase
• Plus, the chance to make a real difference every single day

Monday 2nd March to Friday 30th October 2026

Wistlandpound, Kentisbury, Barnstaple EX31 4SJ

Close of business Sunday 8th February 2026

Who to contact:
Barry Kaufman‑Hill
Email:

All our roles require either an enhanced or basic DBS check relevant to the role.
We do not sponsor visas for this post. A UK Right to Work is required.
No agencies please.