Equine Groom

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Police is looking for an Equine Groom to provide a professional equestrian service ensuring the health and welfare of their horses. The role involves teamwork in a stable environment, caring for horses' daily needs, and liaising with veterinary professionals. Strong equine knowledge and a flexible approach to shift work are essential for this position.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive pay

Increased annual leave

Discounts and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of professional equine care, nutrition, and health management.
• Experience in handling, training, and riding horses, including large ones.
• Ability to maintain logs of equine behavior and activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standards of care for horses including grooming and exercising.
• Supervised by the Equine Stable Manager, assist in mentoring apprentices.
• Communicate effectively with veterinary surgeons and manage horse welfare.

Skills

Knowledge of equine care

Ability to promote human-horse interactions

Experience working as a Groom

Physical ability for equine tasks

Flexibility with shift work

Education

BHS Stage 2 in Horse Care and Riding or equivalent experience

First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

We encourage applicants to apply early. If we receive a high volume of applicants, we may close the advert earlier than the planned date.

Applicants will undergo a paper sift, interview, and a final suitability assessment demonstrating their equine management skills.

Prospective officers and staff are held to higher standards of behaviour and accountability than members of the public. Their right to privacy can be limited in certain circumstances to ensure they are fully aware of and accountable for the powers entrusted to them and the professional standards they uphold.

Role purpose

To provide a professional equestrian service ensuring the health and good condition of the horses by caring for their daily needs. This role emphasizes high standards of care with welfare at the forefront, including grooming and meeting the exercising needs of large horses to enable the Mounted Unit to operate at its best.

The equine groom will be supervised by the Equine Stable Manager and will undertake tasks assigned by them. They may also assist in mentoring apprentices.

The role involves working within a small team environment. The applicant must demonstrate strong teamwork and the ability to work independently. They will be responsible for the welfare of many horses and must be willing to make decisions regarding equine and stable issues.

Effective communication at all levels, both verbal and written, is essential. The applicant may serve as the primary contact with veterinary surgeons and other professionals.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of professional equine care, nutrition, training, and health management, with a focus on welfare and behavioural indicators across various situations including transport, husbandry, and veterinary treatments.
• Evidence-based equitation knowledge, including understanding of equine behaviour and learning theory, with practical application in handling, riding, and training horses, including large and inexperienced ones.
• Ability to promote positive human-horse interactions and ensure ethical training and handling methods that foster confidence and minimize stress.
• Experience working as a Groom in large-scale stables or riding schools.
• Good attendance record.
• Physical ability to perform duties such as lifting, bending, stooping, climbing, loading/unloading, and carrying (subject to medical examination).
• Flexibility to work according to a roster with alternating or rotating shifts.

Desirable skills

• BHS Stage 2 in Horse Care and Riding or extensive experience working with horses.
• Experience maintaining detailed logs of equine behaviour, activities, and exercise.
• LGV C1 driving license.
• First Aid at Work qualification or willingness to obtain it.

Hours

Combination of early and late shifts, covering between 07:00 and 23:00. Flexibility is required.

Location

Within West Midlands force area

Allowances

TBC

Vetting

Successful applicants will undergo recruitment vetting and counter-terrorism clearance, including background and financial checks.

Medical

Appointment depends on passing medical checks, which may include drugs testing and fitness assessment.

Interviews

Includes a practical assessment (TBC). Interviews are scheduled after 30th June 2025.

Contact

For more information, contact [e-mail]

Benefits

Joining West Midlands Police offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pay, pension schemes, increased annual leave, discounts, and wellbeing support.

Disability Confident

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader. Candidates declaring a disability and meeting the role's essential criteria will be offered an interview, in line with scheme guidelines.

Note that during high-volume or seasonal recruitment periods, the employer may limit the number of interviews for disabled candidates, selecting those who best meet the essential criteria.

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