We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual looking for a varied role, splitting their time between gardening and supporting a small family yard with the care of horses and ponies.
The ideal candidate will be confident handling horses and other animals on the ground, enjoy working outdoors, and take pride in maintaining high standards in all aspects of their work. Excellent attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to switch between different tasks while keeping track of outstanding jobs.
We are looking for someone practical, with general plant knowledge and an understanding of seasonal gardening requirements within an informal garden. This is a hands-on, split role, with spring and summer being the busiest periods in the garden, while the horses require more attention during the autumn and winter.
This is an excellent opportunity for an intuitive and adaptable individual who thrives on variety, can think on their feet, and is willing to help wherever needed to ensure the smooth running of this busy family home. You will be joining a small, friendly team near Chipping Norton.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Garden Support
- General gardening duties, including deadheading, weeding, pruning, watering, and maintaining borders.
- Planting, dividing, and propagating plants as required.
- Maintaining the presentation and seasonal upkeep of the gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Cultivating seedlings for transplanting.
- Mulching and feeding flower beds.
- Seasonal vegetable planting.
- Caring for pots and containers to provide seasonal interest.
- Maintaining climbers and trained plants.
Horse & Pony Care
- Catching in and turning out horses and ponies.
- Grooming and clipping.
- Washing and preparing horses for turnout.
- Tacking up and washing down after exercise.
- Changing rugs.
- Cleaning and maintaining tack.
- Organising vaccinations and appointments with the vet, farrier, physiotherapist, and dentist.
- Ordering feed, hay, and bedding.
- Poo-picking paddocks and field shelters.
- Keeping the yard, tack room, and equipment clean and tidy.
General Support:
- Assisting with errands as required.
- Taking children, ponies, or horses to lessons and shows.
- Potential house and animal sitting.
- Harrowing arenas and paddocks.
- Pressure washing and leaf blowing.
- Collecting cut flowers as and when required.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Be practical, hands-on, and genuinely enjoy a varied workload.
- Have a positive, can-do attitude and be willing to help wherever needed.
- Be hardworking, energetic, and reliable.
- Be calm under pressure, resilient, and adaptable.
- Be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Be confident around horses and other livestock, or have relevant animal care experience.
- Be child-friendly and comfortable working within an informal family environment.
- Take pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards.
- Follow instructions well while also using their own initiative.
- Have a good sense of humour and thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities and plans can change at short notice.
- Be trustworthy, discreet, and professional.
Salary:£34,000–£38,000, depending on experience.
Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Working Days: Tuesday – Saturday
REF:S&W#3628640
