Join us as a Volunteer Yard Assistant at Penny Farm where rescued horses begin their journey to a brighter future – receiving the expert, compassionate care they need to heal and thrive.

We are looking for volunteers to help us on Mondays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and on Sundays from 8am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Due to the wide range of horses we have in different stages of their rehabilitation, we are looking for volunteers who are experienced with equines. If you don't have a BSI riding hat you won't be able to have direct contact with horses, so we would request you have experience mucking out and the ability to complete yard jobs like sweeping, cleaning and organising.

Your impact

This is a physically active role where you'll play an important role in supporting the smooth running of our yards by helping with day to day tasks. Your contribution will allow our expert grooms to focus on rehabilitation horses and preparing them for a loving new home.

What you will gain

You'll be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive team, enjoy the satisfaction of making a real difference, and stay active with hands on tasks. There are also opportunities to join in with other charity activities, such as open days where you can meet new people.

Key tasks and activities

• Take part in general yard duties such as mucking out, bedding down, poo picking, making hay nets, laundry, sorting second hand tack donations and gathering and providing enrichment for the horses in our care.

• Help with pulling of Ragwort in paddocks

• Maintain general tidiness of the yard, including sweeping, cobwebbing and tidying

• Clean tack and support with fixing and waterproofing rugs

• Keep yard tools in good condition, such as cleaning buckets

• Where possible, assisting with the handling of horses/ponies (this will only be for the more experienced volunteer following competency assessments).

The skills, attitude and experience you need

• Experienced with equines and a BSI riding hat

• Experience mucking out

• Ability to complete yard jobs like sweeping, cleaning and organising.

• Enthusiastic communicator, comfortable interacting with a mix of people

• Good organisational skills

• Happy to work as part of a team or unsupervised

• Flexible approach

• Good timekeeper

• Must be kind, supportive and inclusive towards all volunteers, staff and visitors at all times.

How we'll support you

Training and support will be provided to you in relation to all yard duties. Regular check-ins will be provided by your supervisor, and you’ll also benefit from a friendly and supportive team environment.

Expected standards of behaviour

Whilst volunteering with World Horse Welfare we ask that you follow our Volunteer Policy, respect decisions regarding our staff, volunteers and the horses in our care, and treat all visitors, volunteers and staff in a polite and friendly manner. We greatly value your contribution, but if your actions negatively affect our work or reputation, we may need to end your volunteering agreement.

Apply today!

If you’re enthusiastic, experienced with equines, enjoy working as part of a team and looking to offer a regular commitment, we’d love to hear from you!