Groom / Family Assistant - with stunning accommodation

We are looking for a capable, cheerful and trustworthy individual to join a small, private family yard/home in a beautiful rural setting less than 20 miles from York. This is a unique lifestyle position that would suit someone looking for a peaceful pace of life with responsibility, variety, and plenty of time for study, freelancing or other pursuits.

The role combines riding (hacking, schooling (March – October) (usually with a member of the family) and the general care of 3 well-mannered horses/ponies. Helping with 2 very friendly and loyal dogs, one cat, general housework and light gardening – working closely with the owner to keep things running smoothly. For the right person, it’s a wonderful opportunity to become a valued part of a friendly, animal-loving home in a beautiful country setting.

The hours:

• 12 guaranteed hours each week over 3-4 days with occasional extra hours available
• Monday, Wednesday & Friday preferred
• Ideally 3 hours in the morning & 1 hour in the afternoon/evening on each day
• 2 weekends in every 6 weeks required for sole charge (horses, dogs & cat)

Salary: £14ph depending on experience 

Employment: Self employed (with accommodation included)

Duties Include:

• Mucking out, poo-picking, general yard duties
• Paddock & arena maintenance
• Grooming, plaiting, trimming
• Tack cleaning
• Hacking, lunging, light schooling (Mar–Oct)
• Feeding, turnout, bringing in
• Housework & light gardening (to guarantee hours during the winter and summer months as and when necessary)
• Monitoring health and liaising with family re vet, farrier, feed supplies as and when necessary, although the owner mainly takes care of this
• Sole charge during holidays (notice mutually pre-arranged) or weekends away 
• Looking after two well-mannered Connemara's and a Shetland, plus two lovely dogs and a cat
• Generally offering an extra pair of helpful hands and helping where necessary

Ideal Candidate:

• Due to the size of the ponies, the person really needs to be a maximum of 5’7”, and under 8st 10 in weight
• Experienced, competent and confident rider
• Versatile, practical, and physically fit
• Kind, patient and reliable – takes pride in their work
• Cheerful and happy-natured
• Good communicator, respectful, trustworthy
• Self-starter but happy to follow direction
• Comfortable working alone and as part of a small, family team
• Must have a full UK driving licence and car due to location
• Knowledgeable when it comes to basic lameness, injuries and illness
• Able to commit long-term
• Non-smoker/vaper
• Fully insured to work with horses or willing to set this up before starting

Accommodation and facilities:

• Lovely furnished and newly renovated, self-contained, large flat for single occupancy
• Underfloor heating and spectacular views
• Household bills included (reasonable use)
• Beautiful setting with excellent hacking and walking routes

This role would allow the person to easily pursue additional, local freelance work (many and varied opportunities nearby). The owner is extremely supportive, and there will be plenty of guidance during the settling-in phase (current freelance rider will assist initially too).

The family are welcoming and friendly and are hoping to find someone lovely to join their household, who genuinely loves animals and enjoys rural life and wants to make this their home. The person will be a key part of their home – not just a member of staff.

To apply, please send CV, covering letter and riding photos/videos to Rebecca rebecca@larstonerecruitment.com