Volunteer Grooms

A number of vacancies have arisen for volunteers who enjoy working with horses.

Volunteer Grooms will support the existing groom and officers of the mounted section assisting in various tasks that need to be carried out.

Expected tasks of the volunteer groom will include:

• Assisting in looking after the welfare of the horses.
• Cleaning and maintaining accommodation of the horses including the horse box.
• Assisting in feeding and watering the horses.
• Supporting the team in preparing the horses for public service.
• Cleaning and maintaining tack reporting any issues back to the team.
• Monitor supplies in regards to equipment, grooming kit, medication and first aid kit.
• Provide a holding service for veterinary surgeons and farriers where appropriate.

Once your skills have been assessed and proved other tasks will become available for example:

• Clipping and trimming of hooves, pulling and tidying of manes and tails – all to a high standard you would expect from the Police Service.
• Administering basic medicine / dressings recording this appropriately.
• Loading horses onto and operating a horse walker.
• Ridden and groundwork exercising of the horses will be considered on an individual ability basis.

Skills Required

Essential:

• Confident and experienced in handling, from the ground, a variety of horses including large, inexperienced/young horses.
• Experience of providing a Grooms service of a high standard, including grooming, mucking out, sweeping, tack cleaning, general care of horses, tacking up and loading/unloading.
• Be able to work alone following health and safety protocols
  *Alone meaning: working in an area of the complex, not always under “constant” supervision

Desirable:

• Experience of dealing with basic medical emergencies and treatments
• BHS stage 2 or equivalent qualification or practical experience.
• Hold a current/valid LGV licence

Training

Relevant training will be provided by members of the mounted team.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the Police Support Volunteer Application Form.

Please send your completed application form to [email protected].

If you require more information before applying, please send an email to [email protected] with any questions you may have.