Members of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) and the British Horse Society (BHS) Society), Festina Lente Enterprises CLG is recognised as a world Leader in Equine Assisted Services for those with additional needs. In preparation for the expansion of our Equine Services at the new venue of The National Education Centre, Kilpeddar, Co. Wicklow, we are seeking to attract an experienced Yard Supervisor to join our team.

For further information regarding this supervisory appointment please contact: hr@festinalente.ie.

Stable/Yard Supervisor

Position Description: To supervise the yard to the highest professional standard through overseeing the daily operation of the yard ensuring the wellbeing of equines, and supervise students as part of their timetabled stable management activities

Department Name: Equestrian Learning Centre

Reporting to: Stable / Yard Manager

Based at: Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre. The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 years).

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday, with Sunday cover required as per Timetable)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Stable /Yard Supervisor is responsible for

People Management:

• Supervision of ELC yard staff, helpers, work experience placements and volunteers
• Support ETP students with yard activities as required
• Responsible for the performance engagement of all yard assistants,
• Supporting the onboarding, integration and training of yard staff, helpers, work experience placements and volunteers.

Equine Wellbeing and Welfare:

• Coordination of the training and supervision of all equine handlers.
• Liaising with vets, chiropractors, dentist, farrier and other ancillary support professions in response to equine welfare and management
• To accurately record and pass on records of all treatments given to horses (in the absence of the Yard manager)
• Ensure that appropriate turn-out time is made available for all equines.

Student Support

• Deliver stable management sessions as required,
• Facilitate therapeutic riding lessons as required,
• Facilitate Supported Helper Programme as required,
• Facilitate DEIS school group as required.

Stable Operations:

• Ensuring equines are prepared for activities,
• Ensuring that there are sufficient supplies available e.g. feed, hay and that supplies are ordered in a timely and cost-effective manner,
• Ensuring lessons and various activities run according to timetable and deal promptly with any changes that may occur.

Seasonal Events

• Supervising yard operations in the planning and execution of key seasonal events.

Health & Safety

• Responsible for always demonstrating safety leadership within the team to the utmost standards of Health & Safety in accordance with the organisational policies and legislation,
• Implementing the Health and Safety procedures in accordance with the Safety Statement as well as ensuring all stable related activities are adequately risk assessed.

Training and Development

• Attending all designated training workshops as it pertains to equine skills development,
• Contributing to the team and staff meetings together with the Stable / Yard Manager.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience in stable management ideally in an equine learning and therapeutic environment,
• Exceptional horsemanship skills with proven experience in equine schooling, including lunging,
• Proven experience in supervising staff with diverse support needs,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
• Strong intrapersonal skills including self-motivation, and flexibility,
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
• Commitment to fostering a culture of social inclusion,
• Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.

Education & Experience

• Proven experience of horsemanship skills including horse training, horse care & welfare, equine nutrition, anatomy & physiology, equine transportation, facility management & maintenance and,
• Equestrian experience (min): proven experience of working with horses in a coaching/teaching environment in terms of horse behaviour,
• Equestrian experience (desired): a relevant equestrian BHSAI qualification,
• Full and clean Irish driving licence, with trailer licence [desired]

Language: Fluent English

Work Authorisation: Ireland, required

Benefits of Employment:

Compensation: Salary will be reflective of experience and qualifications

Benefits Include:

• Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
• Access to Educational Support
• 24 days’ annual leave
• Bike to work scheme
• On-site parking.