School Syce/Groom and Riding Assistant at St Andrew’s School

St. Andrew’s School, Turi, an international Christian Boarding School offering a British Curriculum education, wishes to fill the following position in the School.

The school comprises two semi-autonomous Schools: the Preparatory school for pupils between of ages of 3 – 13 and the Senior School for pupils between the ages of 13-18.

The school is seeking a hardworking, reliable and enthusiastic Syce / Groom and Riding Assistant to join the Equestrian Department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about horse care, enjoys working with young people, and thrives as part of a supportive team.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a competent rider in all gaits (walk, trot, canter and gallop) and confident handling a variety of horses and ponies.
• Have experience in the daily care and management of horses.
• Be comfortable working with children and young people in a riding school environment.
• Be a positive team player who works well with colleagues.
• Be physically fit and willing to undertake stable and yard duties in all weather conditions.
• Have a strong commitment to horse welfare, safety and high standards of stable management.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Horse Care

• Mucking out stables and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
• Feeding horses and preparing feeds as directed.
• Filling haynets and monitoring feed, hay and supplement stocks.
• Grooming horses to a high standard.
• Checking horses daily for signs of illness, injury, lameness or unusual behaviour and reporting concerns promptly.
• Administering routine medications and first aid under supervision when required.
• Exercising and riding horses and ponies according to the riding programme.

Riding School Support

• Leading horses and ponies during riding lessons and hacks.
• Assisting instructors and supporting the smooth running of riding activities.
• Helping to ensure the safety and welfare of students during equestrian sessions.
• Working positively with children and staff to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Yard Maintenance

• Maintaining clean and tidy stable yards, tack rooms, feed rooms and storage areas.
• Cleaning and caring for tack, rugs and equipment.
• Assisting with paddock maintenance, arena upkeep, fencing repairs and general yard tasks.
• Supporting the overall appearance and organisation of the equestrian facilities.

Teamwork

• Covering duties for colleagues when required.
• Assisting the farrier, veterinary team and other equestrian staff as needed.
• Following all Stable Yard Operating Procedures and Health & Safety requirements.
• Undertaking other reasonable duties as directed by the Riding Coordinator or Head of Equestrianism.

Working Hours

• Five weekdays on a split-shift basis:
  • 7:00am to 11:00am
  • 2:00pm to 6:00pm
• One weekend day per week:
  • 6:30am to 9:00am
  • 3:00pm to 5:30pm
• Additional overtime may be available in accordance with school policy.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• Passionate about horse welfare.
• Confident handling and riding horses.
• Patient, calm and professional around children.
• Hardworking, dependable and punctual.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to contribute positively to a busy and friendly equestrian department.