At a Glance
- Tasks: Help care for horses, including feeding, grooming, and cleaning stables.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to giving horses a second chance.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and make a real difference in animal welfare.
- Other info: Work with a supportive team and enjoy flexible volunteering hours.
- Why this job: Contribute directly to improving the lives of horses and help them find forever homes.
- Qualifications: Experience with horses and a passion for their welfare is essential.
Volunteer role at Blue Cross operates two horse adoption centres located in Burford and Rolleston on Dove. Volunteers are at the heart of our work, enabling us to find new homes for horses and ponies who have been made homeless.
Why we want you
At Blue Cross, we believe that every horse deserves a second chance. Volunteers help us provide essential daily care and attention, allowing us to take in more animals who need rescue and freeing up space for additional horses.
What you will be doing
- Helping with routine cleaning of the stables, paddocks, and shelters
- Feeding, watering and grooming the horses
- Socialising and handling horses
- General yard duties including cleaning tack, equipment and yard areas
- Monitoring health, welfare and behaviour of the horses
- Assisting in the training
- Washing rugs and equipment
- Tidying storerooms
The skills you need
- Experience of owning or caring for horses and an interest in their welfare
- Ability to work in a team or alone
- Understanding of the care horses need
- Willingness to carry out routine tasks such as cleaning
- Reasonable fitness to carry out an active role
- Willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures
What's in it for you
- Direct contribution to improving the quality of life for the horses
- Seeing the impact of your work on the horses’ well-being and helping them find a forever home
- Valuable hands‑on experience that will boost your CV
- Full training and ongoing support from our dedicated team
- Work alongside a passionate team of volunteers and staff, all committed to improving animal lives
- Know that you have helped a horse on its journey to a better future
Volunteer commitment
Online training will be required before you can begin the role. You will be expected to visit one of our horse centres once a week for a minimum of two hours.
EEO Statement
Blue Cross is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming all people regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, age or socio‑economic background. If you need any accessibility support during the volunteer recruitment process, please contact us at volunteering@bluecross.org.uk.
Horse Care Volunteer (Burford, Oxfordshire) employer: The Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer for those passionate about animal welfare. Our Burford centre offers a supportive and inclusive work culture where volunteers can make a tangible difference in the lives of horses while gaining valuable experience and training. Join our dedicated team and enjoy the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in a vibrant community focused on second chances for animals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horse Care Volunteer (Burford, Oxfordshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before you apply, reach out to current volunteers or staff at Blue Cross. A friendly chat can give you insights into the role and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for horse care during interviews. Share your experiences with horses, whether it’s owning one or volunteering elsewhere. We love to see that enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! After applying through our website, follow up with a quick email expressing your excitement about the opportunity. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for hands-on tasks! Brush up on basic horse care knowledge and be ready to demonstrate your skills. We want to see that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved!
We think you need these skills to ace Horse Care Volunteer (Burford, Oxfordshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horses:When writing your application, let us know why you love horses and their welfare. Share any personal experiences you've had with horse care, as this will help us see your genuine interest in the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use simple language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to understand how you can contribute to our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've cared for horses before or have any related experience, make sure to mention it! This could include owning a horse, volunteering at stables, or even just helping out a friend with their horse.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our Blue Cross family!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Know Your Horses
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of horse care and welfare. Familiarise yourself with common horse breeds, their behaviours, and basic health signs. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for animal welfare shine through. Share personal experiences related to horse care or volunteering. This helps the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for any role, but that you truly care about making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training process, the team dynamics, or specific challenges faced in the role. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the organisation.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you would handle certain situations with horses, such as grooming or monitoring their health. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can provide clear, confident answers that reflect your understanding of horse care.
