Equine Yard Assistant

Activate-Learning-1; Worplesdon; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive holiday

Excellent pension

Onsite facilities

Monthly staff appreciation

Wellbeing resources groups

Learning & Development

Pension schemes

Generous annual leave

On-site parking

Job summary

Activate Learning is seeking an Equine Yard Assistant to support daily horse care and student learning on site at Merrist Wood College. You will help with exercise routines, assist with commercial equine activities, and guide learners on the yard in a practical, hands-on environment.

The role requires experience on a professional equine yard, Level 3 or higher qualifications, and willingness to progress toward BHS Stage 2. Weekend availability is essential in this casual, variable-hours position.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working on a professional equine yard or within an equine business.
• A relevant professional or vocational qualification at Level 3 or above.
• Experience riding a variety of horses.
• BHS Stage 2 in Care, Riding, and Lunge - or the motivation to work towards it.

Responsibilities

• Day to day care of the horses, ensuring adherence to our high welfare standards.
• Assisting with exercise routines for a variety of college horses.
• Supporting the delivery of commercial courses and equine activities.
• Supervising and working alongside students and visitors to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment.

Skills

Equine yard experience

Level 3+ qualification

Riding experience

BHS Stage 2 in Care, Riding, Lunge

Education

Level 3 or above qualification

Job description

Position not right for you?
Share it with someone you know.

Equine Yard Assistant

Reference: SEP20261657

Expiry date: 22:59, Wed, 14th Oct 2026

Location: Worplesdon

Benefits: Competitive holiday, excellent pension, fantastic onsite facilities

As an Equine Yard Assistant, you will play a vital part in the daily care and wellbeing of our horses, while also making a direct impact on the student learning experience. This is a student-facing role, meaning you’ll not only care for the horses, including assisting with exercise routines for a range of college horses, supporting the delivery of commercial courses and activities, but also support and guide our learners on the yard.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Day to day care of the horses, ensuring adherence to our high welfare standards
• Assisting with exercise routines for a variety of college horses
• Supporting the delivery of commercial courses and equine activities
• Supervising and working alongside students and visitors to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment

This is a casual, variable-hours role based at our Merrist Wood College. Flexibility to work weekends is essential, as most shifts will take place at weekends and during school holidays. Occasional term-time hours may also be available to cover staff sickness and support business requirements.

What do you need to be a successful Equine Yard Assistant?

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled equine professional who thrives in a team and enjoys supporting the development of others. To succeed in this role, you will need to bring both technical expertise and the ability to work confidently with students in a practical, hands-on environment.

Essential skills and experience:

• Previous experience working on a professional equine yard or within an equine business
• A relevant professional or vocational qualification at Level 3 or above
• Experience riding a variety of horses
• BHS Stage 2 in Care, Riding, and Lunge - or the motivation to work towards it

We’re looking for someone proactive, adaptable, and committed to both their own development and the growth of our students.

Who we are:

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.