Looking for work in the horse world? Having been on both sides of the fence Horse Scout Blogger knows just how it’s not just an interviewer who needs to know about you. You need to know about the job. And both of you need to know you are the right person for that job, by establishing expectations and measuring this against experience.
Having been contacted by a prospective employer or when searching for a job make sure you do your research. Find out as much as you reasonably can about the yard where you will be working and your employers. If they are professional riders they will have a track record and more than likely a website, and social profiles. Make sure that their line of work suits you, it sounds obvious but if you want to show ponies don’t apply to be a jockey!
Top Tips to make sure you get the most perfect job you can.
- Be honest about your experience
- Be honest about your ability
- Be open abut your expectations
Ask questions about the things which are important to you
- What are your duties
- What are your hours
- Speak to other members of staff if you can
Understand the job you are applying for by finding out
- The employers expectations
- Your level of responsibility
- Who you speak to if you have problems
- Will you be in sole charge
- If it is a live in position make sure you see your accommodation
- Find out about transport links if you do not have your own transport or a car is not available
- Ask about the horses you will be riding, grooming handling
- Ask about pay, sick pay, time off and holidays
- What insurances are in place in case of accidents
- Who pays for PPE equipment, is there an equipment allowance
Other things which both employers and employees need to consider are:
- Pets
- What are normal hours and what is considered overtime
- Probation period and payment terms
- Working towards accreditation and the implications for both employer and groom
- Use of own vehicle; fuel and upkeep for business use
- Visiting friends/family (if it is a live in position)
Both parties should consider a period of consideration before accepting offering a job to a candidate.
Are you looking for work? Horse Scout professionals often have a STAFF REQUIRED badge against their profiles you can click through and contact them directly. If you are looking for work riders or grooms then check out Horse Scouts specialist pages here. or look below at two grooms listed on our pages who are looking for placements at the moment.
Experienced freelance groom available for yard cover and competitions. Kirsty Borriello, from New Zealand is presently in Wiltshire and has worked extensively with international eventers, show jumpers and dressage horses. She confirms, in her Horse Scout listing, that she can turn out to a high standard and is happy to work as part of a team or on her own.
17 year old Tori Owen, is looking for a live in position says she has been working with horses since a young age and that her forte is producing horses to compete in show jumping. She writes that she is a very hard worker and love what I do.
