Groom (1350)

2024 is a big year for us as we turn 200 years young! We are proud of our long-standing history in campaigning for a better world for animal welfare. We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and have been working hard ever since to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering. 

RSPCA's Gonsal Farm Equine Centre is recruiting a Groom to join the team on a part time (16 hours per week), permanent basis.

Nestled in 186 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside, our Gonsal Farm Equine Centre opened its doors to the public in 2002. We are one of only three RSPCA specialist equine centres in the UK.

With a team of committed grooms, we work with abandoned, neglected, and abused horses and ponies and help them find their forever homes.

Please note, that the Gonsal Farm Equine Centre is in a rural area and does not have the best transport links, so you are likely to need your own vehicle and UK driving licence.

We work to prepare previously mistreated and neglected equines for adoption. The work can be challenging but immensely rewarding, following the journey of our rescued equines from intake all the way to rehoming. Previous rescue/rehab experience is not essential for this role - what's most important is your confidence around a wide range of horses and ponies, and your passion for their welfare.

In this role, you'll assess the health of our horses, including health checks and evaluations, while also training them through lunging and long reining. You'll perform general yard duties like mucking out stables, feeding, pasture management, and maintaining a clean environment. Keeping accurate records for each horse is crucial, as is completing paperwork related to their welfare. You'll also interact with potential adopters, matching rescued horses with suitable forever homes.

Please see the attached job description for a full insight into what the role entails. 

• In-depth knowledge and experience of equine care and husbandry
• Confidence around a wide range of horses and ponies, including equines with behavioural problems
• Competent in lunging and long reining.
• Good literacy skills to complete equine welfare related paperwork
• Excellent team player skills and, above all else, a passion for making a difference in the lives of rescued ponies and horses

*Please apply using a CV & Cover Letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in applying for this role*

We are really lucky that some of our roles attract a high level of interest and for this reason, we review applications as they are received, unfortunately on some occasions this means roles may close earlier than advertised; so early submissions are highly recommended. 

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect