Job Description

About Us

Hope Meadows is offering a unique opportunity for a psychology student or graduate with considerable equestrian experience and an interest in mental health.

This role involves assisting in delivering therapeutic riding sessions that support children and adults with a range of mental health needs. It combines hands-on experience in a therapeutic environment with support and mentoring from an experienced team of therapists.

There are further opportunities to support our other pathways (Equine Assisted Therapy and Alternative Education) if these are of interest, alongside supervision and ongoing CPD.

We have a supportive team culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, ongoing development, and ethical practice. We will be assessing applicants on fit with our values as well as their experience and skills.

About You

This is an ideal role for someone looking to gain real-world experience in applied mental health work, who already has substantial equine experience to support the delivery of therapeutic riding sessions. An interest in mental health is essential as well as expertise in riding.

Horse welfare is a high priority for us and the successful candidate will be willing to learn about the needs of a therapeutic riding horse, equine learning theory, and the emotional load of therapeutic work.

Our Therapeutic Riding programme is constantly evolving, and we are looking for a motivated, compassionate, and creative instructor to help us develop it in the next stage of our growth. Potential applicants should offer flexibility and enjoy a large degree of autonomy in their work, and feel excited by the opportunity that this role offers.

What is Therapeutic Riding?

We strongly advise all interested applicants to watch the following webinar to understand more about our therapeutic riding programme prior to applying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c5Eg1CIKUE

Whilst therapeutic riding sessions draw somewhat from traditional models of coaching, they also incorporate more holistic approaches such as mindfulness, a focus on breathing, intention, body language and energy levels (both horse and rider). This develops a deeper connection between horse and human and creates a safe space for difficulties to be worked through. Sessions may also involve playing games and other enjoyable activities whilst on the horse, and the successful candidate will be expected to work creatively to engage clients of all ages, abilities, and needs.

Schedule

This role will be part time, with expected hours up to 20hrs/week initially, with scope to increase over time. Applicants should be available to work flexibly to suit client availability and organisational needs.

Pay

This is an employed hourly position paying 12.50 - 15 per hour negotiated depending on the successful applicant's experience. The usual employment benefits apply including pension, annual leave, and all staff wellbeing perks.

There is the opportunity to complete our Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Riding Instruction for Mental Health as part of the salary package.

Responsibilities

Riding Instruction:

Plan, deliver, and reflect on, therapeutic riding sessions that appropriately balance riding skill, relationship building, and wellbeing interventions.

Engage clients with a wide range of needs, ensuring a compassionate approach.

Facilitate a connected, meaningful, safe relationship between the client, the horse, and yourself.

Continuous Development:

Cultivate a reflective approach to practice by attending team supervision and internal CPD days

Contribute to the wider development of the therapeutic riding programme

Develop the horses' capabilities through schooling/long lining

Administrative Support:

Manage the riding schedule, equine records, and client documentation.

Handling enquiries, rescheduling, and other correspondence as needed.

Essential Skills

Ability to ride to a high standard. BSc Psychology at 2:2 or higher (predicted or completed). Demonstrates an ability to apply psychological theory to real-world situations Warm, compassionate nature. Strong organisational and time management skills

Desirable Skills

Experience working with adults and/or children with mental health needs. Experience in riding instruction/coaching.
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.50-15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 20 per week

Benefits:

On-site parking Referral programme
Application question(s):

Please share with us your understanding of how a connection with horses may contribute to improved mental wellbeing. Please note - we will not assess your application unless you answer this question.
Work Location: In person