01/09/2026
We are looking for our Next Team Member
Role: Reins & Roots Equine Learning Practitioner
The Orchard Equine & Land Based College
📍 Thorpe in Balne, Doncaster, DN6 0DZ
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10am–5pm - 21 hours per week
The Orchard is looking for a qualified and experienced horse person to join our team and support the delivery of Reins & Roots, our bespoke equine based personal development and learning programme.
This is much more than delivering horse care activities.
Reins & Roots uses meaningful learning alongside horses to help young people develop practical equine skills alongside confidence, communication, emotional regulation, resilience, independence, responsibility, life skills and preparation for adulthood.
Learners may have SEND/SEMH needs or have experienced barriers to traditional education. Our approach is trauma informed, relationship based and centred around emotional safety and respect for both learners and horses.
We're looking for someone who:
- Holds a relevant recognised equine qualification
- Has substantial hands on experience working with and handling horses
-Is confident in equine care, welfare and stable management
- Can work safely and confidently with horses and young people
- Is patient, calm, encouraging and able to build positive relationships
- Understands that learning can happen through practical experiences
- Can support learners to develop wider life, independence and employability skills
- Can observe and record learner progress
- Is willing to learn and consistently deliver The Orchard's Reins & Roots approach
- Has the right to work in the UK
Experience supporting young people with SEND and/or SEMH, particularly within alternative provision, would be desirable, as would an understanding of trauma-informed practice. However, we recognise that the right person may not have experience in every area, and training and ongoing support will be provided.
About the role
You'll work alongside our existing team to support young people through structured equine based learning.
Alongside developing horse care skills, you'll help learners build skills for adult life including communication, organisation, decision making, teamwork, responsibility, problem solving, independence and workplace behaviours. Reins & Roots explicitly develops these skills towards education, volunteering and employment.
Reins & Roots is a bespoke Orchard programme. The successful applicant will be required to sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement covering programme materials and intellectual property.
The Orchard is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Appointment is subject to our safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate DBS and pre employment checks, satisfactory references and verification of right to work in the UK.
Apply
Please email your CV and a short introduction explaining your equine qualifications and experience and why you would like to work with our learners.
[email protected]
Please share with anyone who could be a great fit for The Orchard. 🌳🐴
