Equine Stable Manager
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Equine Stable Manager to lead and professionalise the management of our Mounted Section facilities, horses and staff. This is a pivotal role, responsible for enhancing the performance, efficiency and welfare standards of police horses and those who care for them, ensuring the Mounted Section can deliver an effective and resilient service to the public.
The Mounted Section traces it's roots back to 1899 when it was founded by Bristol Constabulary to assist with the management of public order incidents in the city. This remains a core part of its role to this day. The Section is also a vital public engagement tool for the Constabulary and performs regular duties, including some ceremonial duties, in a variety of high-profile public settings. The Equine Stable Manager is an integral part of this work, responsible for the safe care of the Constabulary's horses, the selection and training of remounts and the professional riding development of the Section's police officer riders. The Equine Stable Manager will also be responsible for negotiating value for money contracts with external providers of specialist services and management of the purchase of consumable materials for the stables.
You will work closely with the Mounted Section Police Sergeant, you will act as the subject-matter expert on equine care for our 11 horses and training, while providing strong leadership to grooms and contributing to the strategic development of the Mounted Section.
This is full time position working Monday - Friday.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Managing a team of grooms, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, high welfare standards, and effective performance management.
- Acting as the Subject-Matter Expert (SME) on all aspects of horse care and welfare, advising the Mounted Section Police Sergeant and liaising with external professionals including veterinarians, farriers, dentists, physiotherapists and saddlers.
- Managing and delivering advanced riding and training for young, inexperienced and remedial police horses.
- Contributing to the assessment, procurement, loan and retirement of police horses, including sourcing, viewing and negotiating purchases to ensure best value for public funds.
- Coordinating and, where necessary, participating in the transport of police horses using force fleet vehicles and horse lorries.
- Supporting the Mounted Section Police Sergeant with contract negotiations and procurement of equine services.
- Riding horses in the public domain (non-operational) to support training, development and mounted policing capability.
- Assisting with mounted officers’ equestrian training, assessment and development, including risk assessments, record keeping and deployment advice.
Skills and experience required:
You will be an equine professional with:
- NPCC Intermediate Rider accreditation and the NPCC Accredited Instructor Certificate or British Horse Society Stage 4
- Willingness to attain the above NPCC qualifications within 18 months of employment
- Knowledge of equestrian management
- Ability to administer medication is essential
- Full current driving licence, and hold or willingness to successfully obtain a full LGV driving licence (within 18 months of employment)
What we can offer you:
You will have access to a package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:
- Supply of uniform - working uniform, riding clothing and footwear including riding boots
- Competitive salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Health Assured Employee Assistance scheme offering 24 hour help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
- Staff benefits including discounts on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
- Free parking at our Clevedon site
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in the development and welfare of police horses while contributing to an iconic and highly valued policing function. You’ll work within a dedicated team, influence best practice, and help shape the future of mounted policing.
Additional Information:
Applicants successful at shortlisting will be invited to attend a work related assessment and interview currently scheduled for week commencing 2nd March 2026.
This position works Monday - Friday, start time from 7am/8am to be discussed with the successful applicant. Due to the nature of the role due to operational need there may be occasions where you are required to work outside of your normal working arrangements.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.
If this sounds like the role for you, we look forward receiving your application.