At a Glance
- Tasks: Help care for horses, including feeding, grooming, and cleaning stables.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a passionate charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, receive training, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team improving the lives of horses in need.
- Qualifications: Experience with horses and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Flexible role tailored to your experience; commitment of two hours weekly required.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
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. We’re looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of horse care and husbandry, ensuring that our horses are well looked after while they wait for their forever homes. Whether you have experience handling horses or are returning to them after a break, this role can be tailored to suit you. By gifting your time, you will become part of a passionate, supportive team dedicated to improving the lives of horses in need. Your involvement will make a real difference, helping us care for more horses and give them the chance they deserve.
At Blue Cross, we believe that every horse deserves a second chance. There has never been a greater need for our help, with many horses and ponies across the UK facing uncertain futures due to neglect, overbreeding, and financial hardship. Volunteers like you are essential to ensuring that these animals receive the care, attention, and love they deserve. By helping us provide essential daily care and attention for horses, you’ll directly contribute to their welfare, allowing us to take in more animals who need rescue. Your support enables us to free up space at our centres for additional horses, meaning we can help even more animals on their journey to safety and recovery.
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
- An understanding of the care horses need
- A willingness to carry out routine tasks such as cleaning
- A reasonable level of fitness to carry out an active role
- The willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures
What’s in it for you:
- Your involvement will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for the horses
- You’ll see the impact of your work on the horses’ well-being and help them get one step closer to finding their forever homes
- From horse care to teamwork and communication, this role offers valuable hands-on experience that will boost your CV
- You’ll receive full training and ongoing support from our dedicated team, ensuring that you are well prepared and confident in your role
- Work alongside a passionate team of volunteers and staff, all committed to improving the lives of animals
- There’s no greater reward than knowing you’ve helped a horse on its journey to a better future
Online training will be required before you can begin the role. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the tasks within this role, it would be ideal if you could come into one of our horse centres once a week for a minimum of two hours. We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to involve the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this. At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are. Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating an organisation where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcomed, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities. We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us. If you would like to talk to us about any accessibility needs that we can support with in terms of our volunteer recruitment processes, then please do get in touch. You can email volunteering@bluecross.org.uk and we can organise for the right team member to get in touch with you for a discussion.
Horse Care Volunteer (Rolleston) employer: The Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
The Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horse Care Volunteer (Rolleston)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before you apply, reach out to current volunteers or staff at Blue Cross. Ask them about their experiences and what they love most about volunteering. This will not only give you insights but also show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for horse care! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your experiences with horses, even if they're just personal stories. This helps us see your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you can, visit the centre before applying. This gives you a feel for the environment and allows you to ask questions in person. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the role, and don’t forget to express your eagerness to help our horses!
We think you need these skills to ace Horse Care Volunteer (Rolleston)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horses: When writing your application, let us know why you love horses and what drives you to volunteer. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your connection with these amazing animals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Whether it's horse care or teamwork, show us how you fit the role perfectly!
Be Honest About Your Experience: Whether you're a seasoned horse handler or just getting back into it, be upfront about your experience level. We appreciate honesty and are keen to support volunteers at all stages of their journey.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your enthusiasm and dedication right from the start!
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 husbandry. Familiarise yourself with common horse breeds, their behaviours, and basic health needs. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for helping horses and your commitment to animal welfare. Share any personal experiences you have with horses, whether it's owning one or volunteering at a rescue. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any volunteer role, but that you truly care about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about routine tasks like cleaning stables, grooming, and feeding. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as monitoring a horse's health or dealing with a difficult animal. This will highlight your practical understanding of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show you’re engaged and interested in the organisation. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how volunteers can make a lasting impact. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.