At a Glance
- Tasks: Help care for horses, including feeding, grooming, and cleaning stables.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, receive training, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible role with a supportive community focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Contribute to improving the lives of horses and help them find forever homes.
- Qualifications: Experience with horses and a willingness to learn.
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 will 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.
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.
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 Rehoming Centre) employer: The Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the dedication and passion of our volunteers. Located in the heart of Rolleston, our Horse Rehoming Centre offers a supportive and inclusive work culture where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of horses in need. With comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to work alongside a committed team, volunteering with us not only enhances your skills but also provides a rewarding experience as you help these animals find their forever homes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horse Care Volunteer (Rolleston Rehoming Centre)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Blue Cross! Reach out on social media or through our website to connect with current volunteers and staff. This will give you insights into the role and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for horse care during any informal chats or interviews. Share your experiences, even if they’re from a while back. We love hearing about your journey and commitment to animal welfare!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you have specific skills or ideas that could benefit the horses or the team, don’t hesitate to mention them. We appreciate creativity and enthusiasm in our volunteers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Blue Cross!
We think you need these skills to ace Horse Care Volunteer (Rolleston Rehoming Centre)
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. If you've got experience in horse care or teamwork, shout about it!
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 you in your learning journey.
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 you started on this rewarding journey with us at Blue Cross!
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 husbandry practices. 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 their welfare. Share any personal experiences you have with horses, whether it's owning one or volunteering elsewhere. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any volunteer role, but that you truly care about making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the specific tasks you’ll be doing, the training provided, or how the team collaborates. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the organisation.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Since this role involves hands-on work, be prepared for practical questions or scenarios. Think about how you would handle certain situations, like dealing with a nervous horse or managing yard duties. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
