Horse Riding Assistant
Help our partner stables deliver an exciting riding course!
Oundle & Worth School
Role Overview
Horse Riding Assistants act as the link between Exsportise and contracted stables and instructors, ensuring the agreed programme is delivered to a high standard. You must prioritise student safety, welfare, and course enjoyment, supporting students in all aspects of their daily routine. In addition to stable duties, you are part of the Course Assistant team and contribute to the delivery of free-time, evening, and weekend activities, helping to create a safe, positive, and engaging summer school experience.
Skills You'll Gain:
Hands-on experience working with international children and young people in both stables and residential setting
Develop skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, responsibility, safeguarding, problem-solving, and adaptation to a fast-paced, multicultural educational setting
Confidence in managing safety, emergencies, and student wellbeing
Opportunities to take initiative and develop responsibility
Transferable skills and stables experience to strengthen your CV
Rewarding work environment where staff make a real difference by inspiring young people and building their own confidence.
Understand the Exsportise horse riding programme
Ensure student safety and well-being whilst off-site, including taking responsibility for student discipline.
Provide assistance to the contracted stables.
Ensure that any transport arrangements are made to take students to and from the stables
Provide pastoral support by listening to students’ concerns and working closely with House Parents to foster a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. Maintain a friendly yet professional staff-student relationship at all times; staff must not become “friends” with students.
Support daily routines, including morning wake-up and bedtime, to maintain order and ensure students get sufficient rest.
Assist with evening entertainment organised by Events Managers
Ensure student safety and well-being during trips and weekend excursions.
Support airport transfers by warmly welcoming new students upon arrival at airports or the Eurostar terminal, and assisting returning students during departure.
Supervise mealtimes (on rota basis)
Engage with students during breaks, encourage positive behaviour, ensure camp rules are followed (including phone restrictions), foster social interaction, and address behavioural issues promptly.
Help collate weekly student feedback, essential for monitoring student happiness and addressing any concerns
Attend daily staff meetings
Follow all guidelines outlined in the Staff Handbook and as directed by the Centre Manager.
Carry out any other reasonable duties
About you
We look for Team Members who are: (Personal Specification & qualifications)
Extensive experience in horse riding and stable management
Experience working with children or young people, preferably in a residential or summer school setting
Ability to motivate and engage students of varying ages and abilities
Strong leadership and teamworking skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills with students and colleagues
Enthusiastic, approachable, friendly, and reliable attitude
Flexibility and adaptability to changing schedules and duties
Awareness and adherence to safeguarding and child protection policies
Professionalism in appearance, conduct, and language
Willingness to participate fully in camp life, including supervising meals, free time, and excursions
Commitment to being fully present and engaged during activities, including a willingness to limit personal phone usage to maximise interaction with students and colleagues
Cultural sensitivity and an ability to work inclusively with diverse student groups
Initiative and self-motivation to contribute beyond assigned duties
Willingness to receive feedback and engage in continuous professional development
Desired: Appropriate experience in other areas of a summer school operation such as pastoral care, admin, organisation, and leading events or trips. Valid First Aid qualification
Ways we support our Horse Riding Assistants:
Paid, job-specific training before student arrival (induction programme)
On-going support from Head Office and on-site senior management team
Fully paid Enhanced DBS check
CPD and appraisals
Wellbeing initiative - 24/7 Welfare and Medical support
All meals and accommodation (single rooms with shared bathroom facilities) included
Safeguarding and prevent training
Supportive team working environment
To Apply
If you have any further questions or are not sure what role to apply for, please contact us at: recruitment@exsportise.co.uk
All staff must pass employment checks, including confirmation that they are not barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position with us. Working with Exsportise involves direct contact with vulnerable children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
SHOULD YOU BE SUCCESSFUL
Any gaps in your CV must have a reasonable explanation
You will have to prove your Right to Work in the UK
You must provide the details of two recent and relevant (professional) referees
You will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), and equivalent if you live, or have lived, outside of the UK (Police check)
You will be asked to state that you have no known reason why you cannot work with children
Official identification and certificates will be required for our records
Exsportise Safeguarding Statement: Exsportise is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment, whether on or off duty. All staff are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please be note that Exsportise may conduct online searches for shortlisted candidates as part of our legal duty to meet our safeguarding duties.
Working Conditions:
Rota & Days Off: Rotas and days off are scheduled by the Centre Manager. Any adjustments need their approval. Employees will work 6 days a week, with one dedicated 24-hour off period.
Sample Schedule/Rota - please see the job description
Working Hours: Hours vary depending on the shift worked. Weekend days are longer than weekdays. House & meal duties are on rota basis.
Welfare & Intensity: Our programmes require commitment and are action-packed. Days can be long and demanding. Regardless of being on or off duty, Exsportise is committed to safeguarding and prioritising the welfare of students and staff is paramount.
Accommodation: Staff housing is provided at the course centre, a single room with shared bathroom facilities.
Dress Code: When overseeing activities, sportswear is required, so please avoid excessively short or revealing attire.
Alcohol, Smoking and Substance abuse: Given your role with children, the possession and consumption of alcohol and substance abuse is strictly prohibited on site or during working hours. Smoking, including the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, vapes etc. is only permitted in designated smoking areas and when off duty.
As part of the onboarding process, you will be asked to attend an online/in person meeting/event before the start of our courses.
