Assistant Managers are employed by equestrian business owners to make sure the yard runs efficiently.A Assistant Manager is responsible for the day to day running of the yard including managing staff, care of the horses, all aspects of health and safety and dealing with clients.
As am Assistant Manager, you could work on various types of yards, such as competition, breeding, training, riding schools, racing and trekking. Your work would depend partly on the type and size of the yard but you may be required to:
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plan the running of the equestrian yard
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plan the horses exercise routine
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plan horses routine care and keep appropriate records for vaccinations, farrier, teeth and worming
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purchase and maintenance of feed and equipment
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keep appropriate records such as financial, insurance, accident reporting
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Oversee equine first aid
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conduct risk assessments
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maintenance of grassland
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select, purchase and sell horses
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Oversee accounts and cash flow
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recruit, train and supervise staff
On smaller equestrian establishments, you may have sole charge of a yard and do more practical work, such as looking after the horses, riding horses and yard maintenance.
In competition, hunting or racing yards, Assistant Managers may also prepare horses for events and may accompany them. In smaller studs and breeding yards, duties may also include working with stallions, mares and foals, assisting with foaling and handling youngstock.
Depending on your skills and qualifications, you may also have responsibility for other activities, for example running competitions, instructing, transporting horses, promoting and marketing the establishment and liaising with owners/clients.
Assistant Managers work around 40 hours a week but may work longer on occasions. Early mornings, late nights and weekend working is common practice for Yard Managers. Most of the work is outdoors, in all weather conditions. Work can involve lifting, carrying, bending, climbing and standing for long periods.
Equestrian businesses are often a long way from towns; sometimes in quite remote areas. Therefore a driving licence may be useful.Due to location and the nature of the job role, some positions are live-in where, with overall responsibility of the Yard, you may be on call to respond to any emergencies or issues on the yard.
As an Assistant Manager work is mainly outdoors, you would wear suitable footwear and outdoor wear and when handling horses and a hard hat, riding boots and preferably a body protector when riding. There is a risk of injury if a horse bites or kicks you or you fall off.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
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Salaries for Assistant Managers may be around £14,000 - £20,000 a year
Some employers provide accommodation, food, free stabling for their employees; horses and riding instruction. Individual salaries may vary to take this into account.
- The National Occupational Standards for this role are currently under development
- Team working
- Safety awareness
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Work in a team / with others
- Work on your own
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Instruction / Training Skills
- Self-motivated
Academic qualifications are not usually required, but a real interest and enthusiasm for working with horses is very important. Knowledge and experience of working with horses will be a requirement., However, there are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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find employment
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improve your current skills
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gain promotion
Relevant training courses for a Assistant Manager include:
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Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship in Equine
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BTEC Extended Diploma in Horse Management
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A Work-based Diploma in Horse Care Level 2-4 may be more suitable as a groom can gain the qualification in the workplace.
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BHS qualifications, Stage 1, 2 and 3 Horse Knowledge and Care, Stage 1 -3 Riding
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The ABRS Groom's Certificate and Groom's Diploma
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Work-based Diploma in (Race) Horse Care; Levels 1, 2,and 3
Assistant Managers may also become members of the British Grooms Association and through this complete an Equine Skills CV as a record of achievement.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Know what course you want? Search for a training course with Lantra’s CourseFinder.
To become an Assistant Manager it is important to:
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have a genuine interest, knowledge and experience of working with horses and their welfare
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enjoy working outdoors
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have good organisational and leadership skills
Assistant Managers work throughout the UK and abroad. Employers include riding schools, private stables, competition yards, college equine units, polo yards, livery stables, producers, stud yards, hunting yards, trekking centres, horse rehabilitation centres and the Armed Forces.
Job opportunities for Assistant Managers are reasonably good. However, to improve employment opportunities it is recommended that you gain experience working on a yard as a Groom or Yard Assistant for a number of years to:
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Improve your skills and experience of working with horses.
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Meet other potential employers
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Gain relevant qualifications
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Confirm if you would like to continue to work in this environment
With experience and relevant qualifications it is possible to further develop your skills in a number of directions. This may provide you with more responsibilities with an existing employer depending on the size of the organisation. It may be necessary to seek opportunities with an alternative employer in order to progress.
Experienced Assistant Managers may also become:
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Instructor/Coach
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HGV Driver
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Rider
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Event Co-ordinator
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Trainer (Racing)
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Stud Manager
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Business Manager
Assistant Managers wanting to also become riding instructors can take BHS or ABRS teaching qualifications.
There are opportunities to work and train abroad
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers, you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 024 7669 6996 or e-mail equine@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
You can also find additional information;from the following organisations and publications:
Organisations
Publications (some may be priced):
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ABRS Handbook - ABRS
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BHS Guide to Careers with Horses
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British Grooms Association Magazine
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Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium
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Horse and Hound
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Horse
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Your Horse
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Horse and Rider