Equine Instructor SC26

Job Description: Equine Instructor -Stewarts Care SC26

Role: Equine Instructor

Duration of Post: Permanent Full-time

Location: Regional Equine Therapy Hub, Kilcloon, Co. Meath

Job Purpose

The Equine Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality instruction in horseback riding and equestrian skills to service users. This role includes planning and delivering structured lessons, promoting safe and effective riding techniques, and fostering a positive learning environment. The instructor will also be expected to contribute to the overall development and well-being of the horses under their care, while ensuring adherence to safety standards and equine welfare regulations.

Scope of Role

The Equine Instructor will work alongside the Equine Therapy Manager to develop and implement an equestrian programme for adults and children with intellectual disabilities, which will contribute to their own abilities and interests. The role involves hands-on horse care, including grooming and tacking, and ensuring the well-being of the horses. The instructor will deliver both individual and group lessons, contribute to event planning, and work with a team to maintain the facility's standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Lesson Planning, Delivery & Participation:

Plan and conduct individual or group riding lessons based on service users' abilities and goals.

Assist in the scheduling and organisation of sessions.

Ensure good records are maintained of session outcomes.

Develop lesson plans that promote skill development, safety, and confidence in riders.

Tailor instruction to meet the needs of the service users.

Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.

Facility Maintenance:

Maintain a clean and safe environment for riders and horses.

Assist with general facility upkeep, including cleaning and minor repairs.

Report any faults with machinery or equipment.

Safety and Welfare:

Ensure the safety of service users, horses, and staff at all times during lessons and activities.

Adhere to and implement training programmes for individual horses to support their development.

Ensure the daily upkeep of equine-related equipment, including saddlery, tack, and other yard management tools.

Conduct thorough risk assessments and monitor safety protocols during riding sessions.

Ensure that staff on-site have adequate understanding and knowledge of safety precautions in place.

Carry out trainings on safe handling and riding techniques to reduce the risk of injury.

Service user Development and Evaluation:

Assess the service users' progress and provide guidance to help improve riding technique and confidence.

Set achievable goals for service users, supporting their development and enjoyment in equestrian skills.

Maintain records of service users' progress and achievements.

Communication and Customer Service:

Build and maintain positive relationships with service users, families and other stakeholders.

Address any concerns or questions raised by service users or their families regarding lessons, progress, or equine-related matters.

Administration

Maintain accurate records of horse health along with any additional records and reports as required.

Ensure all required paperwork, such as consent forms or waivers, are completed and up to date.

Monitor and order equestrian supplies and equipment as needed.

Communicate with customers and colleagues regarding scheduling, policies, and any programme updates.

Prepare and update lesson plans, reports and evaluations as required.

Assist in organising and promoting events, camps, or other equine-related programmes.

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates must meet the following criteria relevant to the role:

Previous experience as an equine instructor, riding coach, or similar role (minimum 1-2 years preferred).

Experience working with horses, preferably in a riding school/therapeutic riding environment.

Strong knowledge of riding techniques and equestrian disciplines, including safety protocols.

Experience working with riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced levels.

Hands-on experience with horse care, grooming, tacking, and basic equine first aid.

Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver structured, engaging lessons.

Experience in maintaining accurate records and handling administrative tasks.

A passion for equine welfare and commitment to promoting safe and effective riding practices.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to the person from time to time. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Equine Instructor SC26- Stewarts Care

Remuneration

Current Salary Scale:

Care Assistant scale: €34,881-€48,434 per annum incl LSI (pro-rata)

Salaries and increments are paid in accordance with Department of Health Consolidated Pay scales.

Annual leave

Annual Leave entitlement for this role is 171.6 hours/pro rata and 10 public holidays/ pro rata per annum.

Working week

The hours allocated to this post are a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 39 hours per week with flexibility Monday to Sunday required.

All employees will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months, with an extension if required to 9 months.

This probationary period applies to all employees irrespective of their role or type of role.

Garda Vetting

Stewarts Care will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees.

An employee will not take up employment with the organisation until the Garda Vetting process has been completed, and the organisation is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to the service users and employees.

References

Stewarts Care will seek up to three written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisation with which the candidate has been associated.

Stewarts Care reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.