At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing equestrian activities and ensure guest satisfaction through excellent service.
- Company: Join Coworth Park, a top-rated workplace known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, discounts, complimentary stays, and vibrant social events.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Become a legend in the equestrian field while making memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Good equestrian knowledge, customer service skills, and a positive attitude required.
Join us as an Equestrian Manager at Coworth Park, recently recognised as one of The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for in 2024. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success.
We care about your career and are known for having the absolute best people in the industry. When you join us as am Equestrian Assistant you start a unique opportunity to become celebrated as the very best in your field. You'll learn not only from your fellow Legends, but also through our award-winning learning academy, so that you can achieve the highest standards of craft, service, and leadership and become a legend in your own story.
Position Overview
- To manage the Equestrian department and team members to provide the highest level of care and presentation of the horses and unprecedented service levels to our clients
- To be a driving force in delivering an Equestrian establishment with the best reputation in the hotel and equine industries with loyal clients who book regularly.
As an Equestrian Manager at Coworth Park, here are just some of the great benefits you will receive:
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- Fantastic Employee bonus scheme and Excellent Service charge
- Complimentary stays including breakfast across the Dorchester Collection Hotels
- 50% F&B discount at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection
- Vibrant Social events that bring employees together including a Winter ball
- Amazing benefits such as discounts in various high street and online shops, enhanced family leave entitlements and competitive Private Pension Scheme
- Apprenticeship, training and development opportunities
- Up to £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend
- Access to immediate well being advice, because We Care about our employees
You'll love what you do and take pride in delighting our guests:
Stable Duties
- Managing horses daily routine, feed and exercise to keep them fit and well schooled for guests to ride safely.
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Managing horses shoeing, worming, saddlery, dentistry and veterinary requirements.
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Carry out daily tasks including feed, hay, muck out, turn out, groom, bandage, keep the stable, horses and all equipment looking immaculate at all times.
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Guest Interaction – Dealing with enquiries, bookings and requests from internal and external guests in a timely and appropriate manner.
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Fitting guests with safety equipment before riding, keeping safety equipment in accordance with best practice guidelines (replacing when worn/unsafe) looking clean and organised in lockers at all times.
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Teaching guests of the hotel and local clients on our ponies and horses with knowledge, enthusiasm and care for safety at all times.
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Managing daily horse allocations for teaching, ensuring well being of horses and safety of guests maintained as a priority.
People
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Mobilize & inspire team members & supervisors to build a high performing team in order to achieve business goals & service standards
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Mentor, train & coach team members
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Manage shift coverage, work load & resource distribution within & across teams
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Interviewing, hiring, induction & succession planning of staff
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Identify training needs, design & track training for department
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Monitor & evaluate team performance & perform PDP for team supervisors
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Arranging and chairing monthly departmental meetings and producing accurate minutes distributed to team members, HR and GM
Financial
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Budget creation and management, monthly P+L reviews, cost control, ensure correct purchasing procedures followed at all times, stock management
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Admin - Manage Insurance and Council License requirements, review and renew on annual basis.
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Renew annual loan contracts for ponies.
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Source further horses/ponies for loan/lease/purchase as business levels require and subject to budget allowances
Marketing/ PR
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Develop and facilitate new packages to drive sales. Assist PR department with photoshoots and interviews with enthusiasm and flexibility. Ensure website is up to date and factually correct at all times
Health & Safety
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Comply with all statutory and company health and safety, fire, bomb and security regulations
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Ensure job required certificates are kept up to date – 1st Aid, Child Protection, CRB checks
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Review and update departmental risk assessments including monthly area assessment forms
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Check tack and equipment weekly for faults and action where necessary
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Review SOP’s and facilitate ongoing training for team members as necessary
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Ensuring all guests complete disclaimers before riding
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Ensuring accident report forms are completed accurately, signed by casualty and submitted to Security in timely manner
The items shared are the essence of a day in the life of an Equestrian Manager, but we'll make sure you are provided with specifics on how we care for our hotel.
What you'll bring
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please contact the People & Culture team at humanresources.cpa@dorchestercollection.com
Equestrian Assistant employer: Coworth Park
At Coworth Park, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, recognised as one of The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for in 2025. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, while our award-winning learning academy offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. With fantastic benefits like complimentary hotel stays and a vibrant social scene, joining us as a Part Time Spa Therapist means becoming part of a team that values passion and excellence in every aspect of your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equestrian Assistant
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Coworth Park. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Coworth Park
Don't be shy about reaching out to Coworth Park directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Coworth Park and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coworth Park
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!