Alnwick Ford Equestrian Competition and Training Centre
North East England
Closing date: Monday 30th November 2026
Job Details
Website:
alnwickfordequestrian.co.uk
Closing Date for Applicants:
Monday 30th November 2026
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and overall package
Accommodation: Live-in opportunity available
Alnwick Ford Equestrian (AFE) is a purpose-built Equestrian Competition & Training Centre situated in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside, near Longframlington.
Set within over 130 acres of stunning countryside, AFE boasts an extensive range of high-quality facilities, providing an outstanding venue for equestrian competition and training. The centre benefits from excellent transport links, located less than two miles from the A697 and approximately three miles from the A1.
AFE is an affiliated British Showjumping (BS) and British Dressage (BD) accredited venue. We also host British Eventing (BE) and FEI Eventing competitions up to 3* level, alongside British Dressage competitions up to Regional and Area Festival level.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and responsible individual to take on the management of the centre and play an important role in its continued success and development.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a good understanding of how a busy equestrian competition and training centre operates.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day organisation and smooth running of the facility, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained throughout the centre.
The role combines management, administration, staff supervision, event preparation and practical yard work. This is very much a hands-on position, and the successful applicant must be happy to work alongside the team and actively contribute to the day-to-day running of the centre.
We are looking for someone who takes initiative, identifies what needs doing and gets on with it without always needing direction. Someone who takes pride in their workplace, has high standards and genuinely wants to make a difference.
An Exciting Opportunity – Burgham International Horse Trials
Alongside managing AFE, this role offers the opportunity to become part of the team involved in organising Burgham International Horse Trials, one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar in Northumberland.
This provides an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in the planning and delivery of international-level equestrian competitions, working alongside an experienced team and contributing to the continued success of a prestigious event.
For someone passionate about the equestrian industry and competition management, this is a fantastic opportunity to broaden their experience and play a role in delivering high-profile events.
Key Responsibilities
Centre Management & Organisation
Oversee the day-to-day running of the equestrian centre.
Organise and coordinate facilities in preparation for competitions, training days and other events.
Ensure arenas, facilities, buildings and surrounding grounds are maintained to an excellent standard.
Plan ahead and ensure the centre is fully prepared for upcoming events.
Identify areas requiring attention and take responsibility for ensuring jobs are completed.
Maintain a professional, welcoming and well-presented environment for competitors, clients and visitors.
Staff Management
Organise, supervise and support yard and grounds staff.
Allocate daily duties and ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Lead by example and encourage a positive, hardworking team environment.
Assist with staff rotas and general workforce organisation.
Ensure high standards of work, reliability and professionalism are maintained.
Practical Yard Duties
Work alongside the yard team as required.
Assist with general yard duties and the upkeep of the facilities.
Help with arena preparation, maintenance and general presentation.
Ensure the yard, equipment and working areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.
Take a hands-on approach to resolving day-to-day operational issues.
Competition & Event Preparation
Assist with the planning and preparation of competitions and training events.
Ensure facilities are ready for affiliated and unaffiliated competitions.
Coordinate practical requirements to ensure events run smoothly.
Maintain high standards of presentation and organisation throughout competition days.
Contribute to the planning and delivery of Burgham International Horse Trials as part of the wider organising team.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is:
Experienced in the equestrian industry, ideally within a competition or training centre environment.
Organised, reliable and able to manage their own workload effectively.
Confident in managing staff, delegating responsibilities and leading by example.
Knowledgeable about the operation of a busy equestrian competition venue.
Proactive, practical and able to use their own initiative.
Happy to be hands-on and undertake practical yard work.
Able to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.
A good communicator with a positive and professional attitude.
Someone who takes pride in their workplace and has high expectations of cleanliness, presentation and standards.
Self-motivated, hardworking and willing to go the extra mile.
Most importantly, we want someone who takes ownership of the role, has pride in the facility and genuinely wants to help make AFE one of the best equestrian venues in the country.
What We Offer
An exciting opportunity to take responsibility for a well-established, high-profile equestrian competition and training venue.
The chance to work within a fantastic 130-acre equestrian facility.
A varied and rewarding role with plenty of responsibility and scope to make a difference.
The opportunity to be involved in the organisation and delivery of Burgham International Horse Trials.
Live-in accommodation may be available.
The possibility of keeping your own horse at the centre, subject to agreement.
A salary and overall package negotiable depending on experience and suitability.
How to Apply
If you have the experience, enthusiasm and practical approach we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and explaining why you feel you would be suitable for the position.
Applications and enquiries:
Please email your CV and Covering Letter to alnwickfordeq@gmail.com STRICTLY NO AGENCIES
Alnwick Ford Equestrian Competition & Training Centre
Longframlington, Northumberland
Please mention Equine Careers when applying.
