Programme Background:
As part of its commitment to social inclusion for people with disabilities, Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre offers a variety of equine-based programmes.
Position Title: Equestrian Facilitator-Supported Helper / Equine Facilitated Education Programme & Stable Management
Position Description: To support young people and adults with an intellectual and/or physical disability to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to help in an equestrian environment with an aim to build confidence, self – esteem, independence and teamwork.
Department Name: Equestrian Learning Centre
Reporting to: Head of Equine Assisted Services
Based at: Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre. The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).
Contract Type: Part-Time Pobal Supported Contract
Position Goals: As part of the programme faculty, individualised facilitation of the programme modules in support of student learners, in a number of areas of equine care and stable care.
Supported Helpers Programme Facilitation
- To support assigned day service member in maximising their personal independence and social and emotional competencies during their time in the Supported Helpers Programme,
- To act as an advocate for each Supported Helpers in the programme.
Stable Management Facilitation
- To support assigned day service member in mucking out stables, cleaning Tack/equipment, Sweeping of the yard,
- To support assigned day service member in feeding / preparing hay nets
- Leading horses / ponies to and from the fields
- Delivery of stable management sessions
SHP/EFEP Sessions
- Plan, facilitate, and evaluate ground based equine activities and learning sessions as part of the Equestrian Facilitation Education Programme
- Use ground-based, experiential activities with horses (no riding) to achieve learning outcomes
- Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment
- Support assigned day service member’ personal, social, and emotional development through reflective practice
- Work collaboratively with co-facilitators, educators, therapists, and support staff
- Observe and document assigned day service member engagement, progress, and outcomes
- Adapt sessions to meet diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles
- Maintain clear session plans, risk assessments, and assigned day service member records
- Ensure all activities comply with health & safety, safeguarding, and organisational policies
- Uphold high standards of animal welfare and ethical equine practice
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development
Communication
- To liaise with other Equestrian Facilitated Education Programme (EFEP) and other Supported Helper Programme Facilitators in relation to the preparation of activities,
- To liaise with assigned service members family members/guardians and/or support persons as appropriate,
- To liaise with the Equestrian Learning Centre team to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the horses.
Programme Projects
- Assisting with the equine programme management team as they contribute to the overall strategic planning of Equestrian Learning Centre.
Programme Administration
- To maintain and update supported helper records for learners in line with Festina Lentes Quality Assurance systems,
- To liaise with the Programme Coordinator in the monitoring and assurance of programme quality.
Training and Development
- Attending all designated equine, facilitation skills and disability awareness workshops in support of skills development,
- Identify and address learning needs required in this role to further enhance programme facilitation within Festina Lente for supported helpers.
- Active participation in team and staff meetings.
Health & Safety
- Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to student learners’ safety and wellbeing,
- Complete incident reporting and near miss events,
- Complete and review risk assessments, including the development of a positive risk management plan for student learners,
- Adhere to all internal policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Proven experience in EAL facilitation, with particular focus on young adult learner engagement with additional needs and positive behaviour solutions in a learning environment,
- Excellent understanding of horse behaviour, care, and equine welfare standards
- Proven ability to mentor and empower student learners with additional needs,
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
- Commitment to fostering a culture of social inclusion,
- Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.
Education & Experience
- A third level qualification in social care is desirable.
- Proven experience of working in the area of disability, mental health, youth work or another related field,
- Proven experience coaching in a riding school, or RDAI environment.
- Certification or training in EAL methodologies (Equine Assisted Facilitation models, etc.), or eager willingness to obtain.
- Equestrian experience (ideal): HSI Level 2 or discipline-specific certification. Additional equestrian qualifications (BHS, RDAI) recognised alongside Irish standards.
- Equestrian experience (min): proven experience of working with horses in a teaching environment in terms of horse behaviour,
Language: Fluent English
Work Authorisation: Ireland, required
Benefits of Employment:
Compensation: The salary will be commensurate with experience.
Benefits Include:
- 22 days’ annual leave, prorated for part-time contract
- Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
- Access to Educational Support
- HSF Health Plan, FC01
- Bike to work scheme
- On-site parking
Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026
Email CV plus cover letter to [email protected] : +353879633348
https://www.festinalente.ie
Equal Opportunities Statement: Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time. The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document. A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
This role is supported by the Community Services Programme and as such is subject to continued government funding. The Community Services Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is managed by Pobal.
Qualifying Criteria for all applicants applying for CSP Supported Positions:
- People who are in the workforce but unemployed and seeking to return to work i.e.,
- people who are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB), Jobseekers Allowance (JA);people who are signing for credits
- Qualified Adults (Adult dependants of those in receipt of social welfare payment)
- People with Disabilities (PWD) i.e. in receipt of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Partial Capacity Benefit, or other disability benefit.
- Ukrainians (displaced by the war)
- Migrants, Refugees & Asylum Seekers
- Irish Travellers & Roma
- People coming from a labour activation scheme i.e. Community Employment, TUS, or RSS placements
- One Parent Families (people who parent alone without sufficient resources and are in receipt of social welfare payments)
- People who are deserted, separated, divorced or widowed (People in receipt of
- Widow/er’s non-contributory pension, surviving Civil Partner’s non-contributory pension, or deserted Wives allowance/benefit)
- Carers (people in receipt of Carers Allowance/Benefit who want to return to the workforce)
- People who are homeless
- Stabilised and recovering drug misusers
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bray, County Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you CSP POBAL ELIGIBLE?
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
