At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport horses and ponies to their new homes while ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Blue Cross dedicated to improving the lives of horses.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training provided, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Other info: Commit a few hours a week and enjoy a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of horses and connect with your local community.
- Qualifications: Equine experience, confident driver, and access to a safe horse trailer required.
Nothing beats the sight of a happy horse frolicking in a field. You could be part of the team that makes that happen. If you’re an experienced horse lover with your own horse trailer and enjoy seeing a bit of the world, we have just the role for you. Join us as a volunteer Horse Team Driver moving horses and ponies from their previous homes onto their future families. This role supports our regional horse team, transporting horses and ponies to foster homes or to their forever homes.
You’ll be caring for your precious cargo, ensuring they are comfortable and have everything they need for their journey. You’ll also be caring for people too: you’ll sometimes pick up horses from their previous homes to take them to a new life which can be a sad time for their owners. As an experienced equestrian you’ll be able to meet horses and ponies of all shapes, breeds and temperaments and know you’re making a difference with every mile travelled.
More about this role:
- Driving your own horse trailer or using our truck and trailer
- Transporting horses and ponies between sites
- Ensuring the horses in your care are safe and comfortable on their journey
- Sometimes transporting supplies and equipment between sites
- Talking to the horse carers at either end of the journey
- Completing necessary transfer paperwork
- Supporting the team with transfer protocols e.g. transfer tags
The skills you need:
- Equine experience (essential) with a solid understanding of horse welfare and care
- You’ll need to be a confident and competent driver, happy to sometimes transport horses long distances
- You’ll need to hold an animal transport certificate
- You’ll have your own or have access to a road worthy, safe horse trailer
- You’ll need to be confident handling horses of all sizes and breeds and moving them in and out of the horse trailer
- You’ll be confident talking to people as part of your role will involve meeting horse carers
- A reasonable level of computer literacy as the majority of our communication is online and your driver checks are done online, or have someone who can help you with this
What's in it for you:
- You’ll be actively helping us to help horses in need
- Joining a passionate team of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to improving the lives of horses and ponies
- You’ll have direct involvement with assisting horses that come into our care
- We’re flexible and can work around your availability
- You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
- We’ll provide you with all the training you need to perform your role safely
- You’ll get to learn new skills and share your current ones
- We’ll pay out of pocket expenses in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy
Disclaimer: We ask that you can commit to a few hours a week and have access to a laptop/desktop/tablet and a good internet connection. Any vehicle used for the transport of animals must be up to date with MOT, vehicle maintenance and insurance. You’ll need to agree to undergoing some simple driver checks which we do with an external provider before you can start this role. You need to be 18 or over for this role.
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.
Horse Transport Driver (Rolleston) employer: The Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling volunteer role as a Horse Transport Driver in the picturesque setting of Rolleston. Our passionate team is dedicated to improving the lives of horses and ponies, providing you with the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying flexible hours that fit your schedule. With comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you'll find a welcoming community where your skills and love for equines can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horse Transport Driver (Rolleston)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before you even apply, reach out to current volunteers or staff. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you tailor your approach when you do apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your equine expertise! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your experiences with horses. Talk about your own horse trailer and any relevant transport experience. This will help you stand out as someone who truly understands the needs of the horses.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a call for volunteers on our website, don’t hesitate to apply right away. The sooner you express your interest, the better your chances of landing that role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to jump in and help out!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after applying! A quick email thanking them for considering your application can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your genuine interest in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Horse Transport Driver (Rolleston)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horses:When writing your application, let your love for horses shine through! Share any personal experiences you have with horses, whether it's owning one or volunteering at a stable. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about helping these beautiful animals.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your equine experience and any driving qualifications you have. If you've transported horses before or have an animal transport certificate, shout about it! We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff when it comes to horse welfare and care.
Be Personable:Since you'll be interacting with horse carers and owners, it’s important to show off your communication skills in your application. Use a friendly tone and maybe share a story about a time you helped someone during a horse transfer. We want to see that you can connect with people as well as horses!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a bonus since most of our communication is online.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Know Your Horses
Brush up on your equine knowledge! Be ready to discuss different breeds, temperaments, and care practices. Showing that you understand horse welfare will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Show Off Your Driving Skills
Since you'll be driving a horse trailer, make sure to highlight your driving experience. Share any relevant certifications, like your animal transport certificate, and be prepared to talk about your comfort level with long-distance driving.
✨Communicate with Confidence
You'll be interacting with horse carers and team members, so practice your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations involving animals and their owners.
✨Be Ready for Paperwork
Familiarise yourself with the necessary transfer paperwork and protocols. Mention any experience you have with online documentation, as this will show you're organised and tech-savvy, which is essential for this role.
