Equine Groom Apprentice - Training Yard

MR & MRS VANDENBERGHE

CHIPPING NORTON (OX7 3AS)

Closes in 9 days (Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 November 2025


Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join Hartsop Farm and train under Monty Roberts Master Instructor Ian Vandenberghe. Ideal for someone working towards a Level 3 Senior Equine Groom qualification. The role includes general yard duties, handling elite horses and body language-based training, with some riding opportunities available.

Wage

£0 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Senior equine groom (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm - with occasional weekends required for competitions or events

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 28 November 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Carry out daily yard duties, including mucking out, feeding, grooming and general care
  • Assist with turning out and bring in horses safely and calmly
  • Support in the training and handling of horses, including groundwork, long reining and join-up sessions
  • Observe and interpret horse body language to understand communication and behaviour
  • Work closely with Ian Vandenberghe, gaining valuable insight into Monty Roberts techniques and methods
  • Help maintain high standards of yard presentation and horse welfare
  • Assist with exercise routines and potentially some riding opportunities
  • Work Effectively as part of a small, professional team and demonstrate the ability to work independently when required

Where you'll work

HARTSOP FARM
WITNEY ROAD
RAMSDEN
CHIPPING NORTON
OX7 3AS

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

HADDON TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Senior equine groom (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

  • Senior Equine Groom Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • All training will be provided on site during your paid working hours
  • Your day to day mentoring will be with your employer, and a combination of online and in person monthly sessions will be held with your Haddon Training Trainer Coach

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4 and Above)

Other in:

Maths and English (grade Level 2)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Previous Horse Experience
  • Driven

About this employer

Hartsop Farm Equine Training Centre is a prestigious training and rehabilitation facility located in the Oxfordshire countryside near Chipping Norton. The centre specialises in natural horsemanship and equine communication, offering expert training for horses at all levels from youngstock to elite performance horses. Led by Ian Vandenberghe, a Monty Roberts Master Instructor, Hartsop Farm is dedicated to developing understanding between horse and rider using proven, non-violent communication methods.

http://www.hartsopfarm.com (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • For the right candidate there could be the opportunity to progress into permanent role

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HADDON TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000350232.

Apply now

Closes in 9 days (Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 11:59pm)

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