About this role
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about horses to join our team as a Yard Assistant. This role is designed to help you learn and grow in all aspects of horse care and yard management. You’ll gain hands-on experience in stable routines, horse handling, and grooming. As a Yard Assistant, you’ll be guided step by step in: Stable Management Skills: Learning how to muck out stables, maintain a clean and safe yard, and care for paddocks and water troughs. Horse Care & Handling: Developing confidence in feeding, watering, bringing horses in and out safely, and carrying out basic grooming such as picking out feet and changing rugs. Equipment & Tack Care: Understanding how to clean and maintain tack and yard equipment properly. Health & Behaviour Awareness: Learning to observe horses closely, recognise changes in behaviour or health, and report concerns to the yard manager. Professional Yard Practices: Shadowing experienced staff when holding horses for the vet or farrier, and learning safe, professional procedures.. This is a training and work experience opportunity; no prior experience in this role is necessary. Accredited and/or sector recognised training will be provided to support your placement. Participants are eligible to participate in the WPEP QQI Work Experience Module which was developed by the Education & Training Boards in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection. This optional module will fulfil your accredited training requirements for the WPEP. Formal Training: -Support towards producing and schooling horses. -Guidance and preparation for British Horse Society exams or the Horse Sport Ireland coaching pathway, depending -on your career goals. Informal Training: -Daily mentoring from experienced horse professionals. -Practical demonstrations and supervised practice in grooming, handling, and yard routines. -Opportunities to learn through observation and hands-on involvement with vets, farriers, and trainers. -Team-based learning, where you’ll pick up best practices by working alongside skilled colleagues.