Young horse trainer and competition rider
The primary focus of this role is on training and competing the stud’s horses. Our horses go to their first competition early in their fourth year for their development. They only go out when they are ready and will be well-behaved. We also take part in the various young horse classes as an education for the horses and to promote the stud. The horses also compete in the conventional BD competitions with the aim of qualifying for the regional championships to demonstrate their ability and potential. We retain some horses in the stud to train and compete to higher levels. This gives the riders an opportunity to develop their skills and it is good marketing for the stud as it raises our profile.
Applicants for this role must have good experience in training and competing young dressage horses and progressing them through the levels.
Young horse and competition rider
This role is similar to the above but with the additional responsibility for starting each year’s crop of three year olds. We have a thorough, structured and appropriate approach to the early schooling work of the young horses to ensure that it is a positive learning experience and to enable them to make a seamless transition to ridden work. We do not believe in the ‘crash-test dummy’ approach. The fantastic temperament of our horses makes the backing process incredibly straightforward.
The rest of the time is focused on training and competing the horses at various levels.
Applicants for this role should have a good background in training and competing dressage horses and in starting youngsters. This would be a good opportunity for someone looking to move on from a working pupil position. Although riding is the primary focus of this role, there is also the requirement to take part in the care and management of the horses.
Regular training is provided for horses and riders each week with the emphasis on adherence to the scales of training. Our horses are exciting prospects for the future and offer our riders the chance to ride and compete top quality horses
Stud Groom
The primary responsibility of this role is the care and management of all horses including the competition horses, mares, foals and youngstock. The role will also involve working with the young horses in their early stages of training on the ground, lungeing and long-reining. There is also the requirement to prepare foals and youngstock for shows including the BEF Futurity and to present the horses at these events.
High standards of turnout and care are essential. Experience in handling youngstock, lungeing and long-reining is important. Practical experience with foaling would be advantageous.
We do not stand any stallions and it is very different to working on a thoroughbred racing stud. At foaling time, we have alarms and cameras so it is not necessary to routinely sit up through the night watching mares due to foal.
Ideally, the person in this role will be, or could develop into, someone capable of ensuring the smooth running of the stud on a day-to-day basis.
There is a good team atmosphere and first-class working environment and facilities. Accommodation is of a high standard in a well-maintained and centrally heated cottage. Sorry but no pets. The cottage and yard are also totally non-smoking. Due to our location, owning a car is essential. Excellent salaries and training as required are also part of the package. We work a five and a half day week.
Livery for one horse is a possibility for the riding positions.
If you are interested in any of the above roles, please email your CV to judith@hawtins.com or call Judith Davis on 07919 598 889.