FESTINA LENTE
Yard Manager
Position Description:
To manage the yard and stables to the highest professional standard through overseeing the daily operation of the yard ensuring the wellbeing of equines, and the management of yard staff.
Department Name:
Equestrian Learning Centre
Reporting to:
Equestrian Learning Centre (ELC) Manager
Based at:
Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre
Position Goals:
To ensure the co-ordination of all equine-based activities on a day-to-day basis such that all timetabled activities can be provided smoothly and professionally whilst at the same time taking due care and consideration for equine welfare.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Yard Manager is responsible for Timetabling Activities:
ü Overseeing the allocation of all equines to the range of equine based activities
ü Ensuring that equines are prepared and available for each activity
ü Preparation of a daily timetable detailing equines allocated for each activity including turn-out time
ü Liaising with accounts and administrative staff in relation to client accounts as may be necessary
ü Ensuring lessons and various activities run according to timetables and deal promptly with any changes that may occur.
ü Creating timetables for staff/volunteers
The Yard Manager is responsible for People Management:
ü Managing the work scheduling and performance engagement of all yard staff,
ü Leading the onboarding, integration and training of yard staff, helpers, work experience placements and volunteers,
ü Supporting the ongoing professional development of all yard staff via regular one to one meetings and bi-annual performance review meetings.
ü Creating a positive and professional relationship with all staff working within the Equestrian Learning Centre.
ü Implementing the Health and Safety procedures in accordance with the Safety Statement as well as ensuring all stable related activities are adequately risk assessed.
The Yard Manager is responsible for Equine Wellbeing and Welfare:
ü Liaising with vets, chiropractors, dentist, farrier and other ancillary support professions in response to equine welfare and management
ü Keeping records of all treatments given to horses
ü Ensuring that hours worked for all equines is based on fairness, individual equine welfare and nature of the specific activity and where necessary discuss necessary changes with each staff member
ü Ensure that appropriate turn-out time is made available for all equines
ü To ensure equine welfare based on equine cognition and learning principles
The Yard Manager is responsible for Stable Operations:
ü Ensuring that there are sufficient supplies available e.g. feed, hay and that supplies are ordered in a timely and cost effective manner
ü Budgeting the annual table of the supplies and their costs, ensuring that financial procedures are followed in relation to all purchases,
ü Review regular review of suppliers to ensure best value for money
Knowledge, skills and abilities
ü Proven experience in stable management ideally in an equine learning and therapeutic environment,
ü Exceptional horsemanship skills with proven experience in equine schooling, including lunging,
ü Proven experience in managing and motivating a large team of staff,
ü Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
ü Strong intrapersonal skills including self-motivation, flexibility, tenacity, critical thinking and problem solving,
ü Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
ü Commitment to fostering a culture of social inclusion,
ü Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.
Education and experience
ü An appropriate third level qualification in a related field e.g. equine management and equine science,
ü Proven experience of horsemanship skills including horse training, horse care & welfare, equine nutrition, anatomy & physiology, equine transportation, facility management & maintenance and,
ü Equestrian experience (min): proven experience of working with horses in a coaching/teaching environment in terms of horse behaviour, a solid appreciation of health and safety regulations as well as proven people management skills.
ü Equestrian experience (desired): a relevant equestrian BHSAI qualification,
ü Fluent English,
ü Full and clean Irish driving licence.
This job description is not exhaustive, and the other duties may be assigned from time to time in accordance with the needs of the service. This job description may be revised to take account of changing circumstances or requirements.
Joanne Mortimer
Assistant Chief Executive/ HR Manager
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ph: 087 963 3348
Festina Lente Enterprises CLG, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, A98 F702