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- Tasks: Care for and train horses, preparing them for rehoming.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Blue Cross Burford rehoming centre.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while working with horses.
- Qualifications: Experience with horses and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and onsite accommodation available.
The predicted salary is between 19195 - 19195 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 26 February 2026
Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Burford
Compensation: £19,195 / year
Description Contract: Permanent, 30 hours per week
Salary: £19,195 per annum (£23,993 FTE)
Location: Burford rehoming centre, OX18 4PF
Closing date: Thursday 26th February 2026
Interview date: 10th & 11th March 2026
Join our team at Blue Cross Burford rehoming centre as a Horse Adoptions Preparation Handler. We are looking for a passionate and experienced individual to care for and train our horses, helping prepare them for rehoming. If you are dedicated to animal welfare and have solid equine experience, we would love to hear from you.
More about the role
As a skilled horse handler and trainer, you will manage and care for horses in our rehoming and temporary crisis care services, ensuring they meet welfare standards and are quickly prepared for new homes.
Each day, you will handle and train a variety of horses and ponies, collaborating with the Rehabilitation, Trainer and Behaviour Advisor (RTBA) and the Adoptions Preparation Lead. This includes starting and training unhandled horses and ponies.
You will work as part of a team to optimize training and provide excellent customer service, promoting Blue Cross horses and ponies to maximize rehoming opportunities. You will also collaborate with centre-based volunteers and the Foster Yard Coordinator regarding potential foster horses.
As the public face of Blue Cross, you will prioritise customer service in every interaction. Your role is key in helping us achieve our mission and support more pets and horses.
At our Burford rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site. Occasionally, you will be expected to carry out night checks or stay in onsite accommodation overnight when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time. These duties are organised on a local rota and shared between all members of the team.
This is a part-time role working 30 hours on a rota which includes weekends and bank holidays.
About you
You are intuitive with horses, empathetic, and welfare-focused, with experience in a similar environment. Skilled at assessing horse needs, recognising behavioural signs, and knowledgeable about medications like hibiscrub and worming treatments, you understand the importance of quickly finding new homes for horses.
Self-motivated and forward-thinking, you bring creative, collaborative, and pragmatic solutions for horse care. You quickly assimilate and accurately record information while effectively communicating with clients and stakeholders.
In an emotionally charged environment, your resilience and emotional intelligence shine, showing empathy and support for clients and colleagues alike.
Knowledge, skills, and experience
- Demonstrable experience of having previously worked or volunteered with horses or in a horse welfare environment.
- BHS stage 3, NVQ3 or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience of handling and training a variety of different types of horses and ponies.
- Experience of starting and producing a variety of young horses.
- Knowledge of basic horse veterinary procedures, common horse ailments and injuries.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Current full driving licence.
- The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values.
Although not essential, it would be great if you also had:
- Qualification or similar experience in horse behaviour or animal training.
- Understanding of safeguarding issues.
- Practical application of behavioural science and learning theory when training horses.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Thursday 26th February. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full-time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays).
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support.
- Free access to GP via MetLife - 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family.
- Health cash plan.
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme.
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution.
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance.
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
- Recognition scheme.
- Annual volunteer days.
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers.
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Horse Adoptions Preparation Handler employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horse Adoptions Preparation Handler
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Blue Cross and their mission. When you show up for your interview, drop in some knowledge about their values and how you align with them. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your equine experience and how it relates to the role of Horse Adoptions Preparation Handler.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Wear something smart but practical for your interview. You want to look professional while also showing that you’re ready to get hands-on with the horses. First impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Horse Adoptions Preparation Handler
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for horses and animal welfare shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how your experience aligns with our mission at Blue Cross.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horse handling and training. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know Your Horses
Make sure you brush up on your equine knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different horse breeds, their behaviours, and common health issues. Being able to discuss specific examples of your experience with horses will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in training and handling horses. Think of specific instances where you've successfully started or rehabilitated a horse. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of horse welfare, which is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves collaboration with various team members, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive working environment, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Align with Blue Cross Values
Research Blue Cross and its mission to ensure you can articulate how your values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise animal welfare and customer service in your work, as these are key aspects of the role.
