Tom Rowland Eventing Apprenticeship

Tom Rowland Eventing is an international event yard with horses ranging from 4 year olds to 5* horses. They are now recruiting for a motivated and enthusiastic Level 2 Equine Apprentice to join their friendly, professional team in Gloucestershire. This position is for someone whom already has good experience with horses.

Wage

• £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
• National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
• Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training Course

• Equine groom (level 2)

Hours

• 40 hours per week across 5 days out of 7. You may be expected to work at least one weekend day. Days and hours will be confirmed at interview.

Start Date

• Saturday 1 August 2026

Duration

• 1 year

Positions Available

• 1

What You'll Do at Work

Tom Rowland Eventing is an international event yard. Tom has horses who range from 4 year olds to 5* horses.

You will be working as part of a team and you will be expected to complete all normal yard tasks (see below).

Our very experienced head girl and our very competent Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Apprentice will help and support you in learning or improving your skills.

There is plenty of riding available for a confident and capable rider.

Tom is a Level 3 Eventing Coach and regularly teaches the staff.

• Mucking out
• Turning out/bringing in
• Tacking up and tack cleaning
• Feeding and filling hay nets
• Clipping/pulling/plaiting/trimming
• Bathing, grooming and rug changing
• Schooling and riding for the right candidate
• First aid
• Exercising horses from the ground (lunging, horse walker, long reining, pessoa training etc.)
• Holding for vet/farrier/dentist
• Helping to prepare horses for competition
• Accompanying Tom to competitions (with support) or training activities

Where You'll Work

AMPNEY KNOWLE FARM
AMPNEY KNOWLE
CIRENCESTER
GL7 5ED

Training Provider

• HADDON TRAINING LIMITED

Training Course

• Equine groom (level 2)

What You'll Learn

Course contents

• Work safely and efficiently at all times and comply with current health, safety and security policies and procedures (including PPE).
• Carry out all yard and field duties to include mucking out, skipping out, tidying and cleaning the yard, watering and feeding. Assess suitability of stabling and grassland environments for horses including checking for hazards etc. Assist with the arrival of a new horse to the yard, following current yard procedures and measures to prevent and control the spread of disease.
• Recognise, identify and describe horses including sex, height, type, colours and markings. Identify basic anatomy, to include points of the horse. Recognise signs of good and poor welfare (including ill health) and check for injuries. Report relevant information and assist with medical treatment and other industry specialists, including Senior Groom, Dentist, Farrier, Veterinary surgeon. Ensure the horses’ welfare before and after exercise or travel.
• Handle a variety of horses in the workplace to include tying up, leading, trotting up, turning out and catching in. Recognise different types of feed and hay and check their quality. Groom a horse including checking feet and shoes. Demonstrate trimming and plaiting.
• Fit a variety of common saddlery, equipment and horse clothing. Remove, clean and store common saddlery and equipment. Check the safe and effective working condition of all saddlery, equipment and clothing
• Prepare horse(s) for travel using appropriate clothing and equipment. Assist with loading and unloading before and after travel.
• Prepare for and provide a variety of appropriate non-ridden exercise including an introduction to lungeing.
• Handle Thoroughbred racehorses in and out of full training. Fit a variety of specialist racing equipment and tack. Carry out the specific routines required in a racing yard and in taking horses racing, complying with industry regulatory requirements, policy and practice. Provide exercise regimes to racehorses as directed and effectively care for horses prior to and after strenuous work and racecourse performance. Prepare and lead up a Thoroughbred racehorse at the races in accordance with industry practice and the Rules of Racing. Provide after race care including compliance with industry regulations and post-race dope testing procedures.
• Adopt an appropriate basic riding position. Ride an experienced/schooled horse according to instruction, independently and as part of a group in an enclosed area. Ride in a balanced, secure position showing control in walk, trot and canter, working with and without stirrups whilst demonstrating movements i.e. circles, turns, etc. Ride in the open, in a forward seat according to instruction with control, security and balance. Ride with a balanced, secure, forward seat over ground poles at trot to enable progression to ride, where practical, over a short course of fences with control, security and balance. Ride on the road or in public places according to laid down procedures, Highway and Country Codes. Open & close a gate whilst mounted. Negotiate everyday obstacles/hazards with control, security and balance. Ride a quiet horse whilst leading another quiet horse or pony.
• Assist with storage of supplies and stock rotation. Contribute to the organisation and maintenance of establishment. Engage with customers and identify their needs. Assist with appropriate office duties including answering the telephone, processing information and use workplace IT systems. Contribute to yard based records including passports, vaccinations, worming, farriery, dentistry etc. Assist and support Riding Grooms and provide non-ridden exercise regimes. Prepare for and lunge a horse for exercise in an enclosed area according to instruction.