Senior Yard Staff / RDA Coach
Full-Time | Glasgow Riding for the Disabled Association (Glasgow RDA)
Salary: £27,976 per annum
For over 50 years, Glasgow Riding for the Disabled Association (Glasgow RDA) has provided riding and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities across Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Based at our purpose-built centre in Summerston, we are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Yard Staff Member / RDA Coach to join our team.
About the Role
Working alongside our existing Senior Yard Staff/RDA Coach, grooms and Equestrian Lead, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the yard and the delivery of Equine Therapy and riding activities for our participants.
The successful candidate will:
- Support the smooth running of the yard and equine welfare programme.
- Deliver riding lessons and equine activities to riders with disabilities.
- School and exercise a variety of horses and ponies.
- Assist in the training and development of horses and ponies used within the programme.
- Take responsibility for the yard in the absence of the Equestrian Lead on a scheduled basis.
- Undertake overnight caretaker duties on a rota basis, averaging approximately 10 nights per month.
Accommodation is provided for caretaker duties and there is also the option of living on site if required.
About You
We are looking for a knowledgeable and proactive equestrian professional who is passionate about horses, committed to high welfare standards and enthusiastic about supporting disabled riders to achieve their goals.
Essential Requirements
- Experience working with horses and ponies in a professional yard environment.
- Experience delivering riding lessons or coaching riders.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for the yard in the absence of the Equestrian Lead.
- Flexibility to participate in the overnight caretaker rota.
- Membership of the PVG Scheme, or willingness to undergo a PVG check prior to appointment.
- Commitment to maintaining a valid First Aid qualification. First Aid training will be provided where required.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- BHS Stage 2 Care and Ride qualification, or equivalent practical experience.
- Ability to ride and school horses to British Dressage Novice level.
- Experience working with disabled riders or within an RDA environment.
- An existing RDA Coaching Certificate.
An RDA Coaching Certificate is required for this role. Candidates who do not already hold this qualification will receive training and must achieve the certificate within nine months of commencing employment.
Safeguarding
Glasgow RDA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, PVG Scheme membership checks and proof of the right to work in the UK.
Interested?
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Susan McFarlane
Susan@rdaglasgow.org
Marie Brown
mariebrown@rdaglasgow.org
For a full job description and further information, please click here
Trustees
RDA Glasgow has been providing riding experiences for disabled riders across Glasgow for many years. We are based in a purpose-built Centre in Summerton and have 9 members of staff and 18 ponies and horses when we are at capacity.
Our trustees are key to delivering this experience and to making sure that the charity complies with charity law and good governance practice, as well as planning to secure the future of the charity.
We are looking to recruit several Trustees (minimum of 2) to help us develop the charity and make sure that it can continue to deliver and develop this important service to our community.
We are interested in speaking to people who has some background in any aspect of business planning and development or finance, charity fundraising and the Equestrian Sector, but would be particularly keen to speak to someone with an HR or a legal background. The role is unpaid and will typically require between 7 to 15 hours per month. While some availability during working hours is desirable, trustees’ meetings usually take place in evenings and a highly flexible approach can be taken regarding other duties and tasks.
We welcome applications from individuals who have experience of mental or physical health conditions. RDA Glasgow group welcomes applicants who can bring a diversity of thinking to our work and organisation, based on their personal characteristics and experience, be it of disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, or sexuality.
Please note this is a Volunteer Role. For more information click here for a full Role Description or contact mariebrown@rdaglasgow.org for an informal chat.