Are you a warm, chatty animal lover who wants a rewarding role that gets you out in the fresh air and around horses? We are seeking a reliable Personal Assistant to support a vibrant, creative young 10 year old girl in Horsham who is absolutely horse-mad! She is autistic with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and ADHD profile, meaning she responds best to a friendly peer rather than a strict authority figure. The ideal candidate is great company, naturally conversational, and excited to build a trusting relationship centered around shared passions., The Ultimate Equine Companion: Accompanying her to her pony share yard for late afternoon/early weekday evening riding sessions and yard care, with occasional weekend visits to pony shows. Whether it's grooming, tacking up, or chatting about all things horses, you will be right by her side sharing her passion.
Key responsibilities
- Hobby Horse Jumping & Crafts: Bringing the equine fun home! Getting stuck into hobby horse jumping courses in the garden and local area, crafting, and building out of boxes.
- Community Outings: Heading out into the community for active, fun visits to local parks, woods, bowling, or climbing. Accompanying her to SEND activity days (such as ASPENS or Lodge Hill)
- Family Days Out: Joining the family on bigger group adventures, including monthly Wednesday evening swimming at Coral Reef Bracknell (5pm-9pm), beach days with paddleboarding, and theme parks like Thorpe Park (where a parent is always present).
- Regulation: You will provide your full attention to support her emotional regulation, using a low-demand approach, and being ready to bring her home early if she feels overwhelmed.
- You have a genuine love for horses and are entirely comfortable in a stable yard environment.
- You have experience with, or a strong willingness to learn about, Autism, PDA, and ADHD (specific training in PDA is available if required).
- You are comfortable and happy around dogs, as we have a friendly dog at home.
- You hold a full, clean driving licence and have access to your own vehicle for transport to the yard and local outings.
- You are comfortable around water and essential to join in the pool during swimming trips.
You are enthusiastic, outgoing, and inherently easy to talk to.
Looking after pets
Candidate qualities
- Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
- Reliable with good timekeeping
- Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
- Hygienic, tidy and well organised
- Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
- Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Honest and cheerful
- Creative
- Must be comfortable with pets
- Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
Notes
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.
Late afternoons/early weekday evenings, weekends, and school holidays (flexible)
Hourly pay rate
£15
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Equine Enthusiast in Horsham employer: Independent lives
As a Personal Assistant for domestic support, you will find a rewarding role that values your reliability and interpersonal skills in a supportive home environment. Our work culture prioritises respect, confidentiality, and understanding, particularly for those with autism and ADHD, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible hours. With opportunities for personal growth and a focus on high standards of health and safety, this position offers a unique chance to contribute positively to someone's daily life.
