Equine Physiotherapist - Contractor

British Equestrian World Class Programme

 UK Sport National Lottery funded

As the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK British Equestrian (the BEF), working collaboratively with its 19 member bodies, represents a broad spectrum of equine interests. At an elite level, equestrian sport in Great Britain has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent years with our athletes across jumping, dressage and eventing, achieving outstanding success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With the start of a new Olympic Cycle approaching, the BEF is looking to the future and undergoing a process to strengthen the way in which it deploys the highest level of performance support to World Class Programme athletes, both human and equine. The Programme’s multi-disciplinary performance support team encompasses leaders in their field, innovative and committed individuals with a mutually shared dedication to delivering the best outcomes for horse and rider.

The BEF are looking for Equine Physiotherapists to support the World Class Programme and our British championship teams. The work will be for approximately 25-60 days per annum and will be offered on a consultancy (self employed) basis.

The Services

• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, deliver world-leading performance science support services to equine athletes, taking an athlete centred approach that empowers athletes to take responsibility for their own and the horse’s pre-habilitation, rehabilitation and return to training.

• Work effectively and collaboratively in an inter-disciplinary team to ensure the delivery of agreed sports science outcomes.

• Attend home yard visits, squad training days and competitions as required.

• Inform and educate athletes in equine injury rehabilitation, management programmes and injury prevention strategies.

• Maintain the high performance science delivery environment to exceptional standards

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and development across the organisation to further the development of world class high performance science support.

• Utilise the BEF’s processes for accurate record keeping on a regular basis.

• Comply with Professional Codes of Conduct, standards and guidelines.

  Characteristics

  The successful candidates for this position will need to demonstrate an ability to work in a mutually supportive, collaborative manner within a fully integrated team of professionals in order to combine the art and science required to help the athlete, both human and equine, to meet the demands of the sport on the world stage. An open-minded and inquisitive individual, with a strong desire and mentality to be part of a winning team are essential characteristics.

  Skills and Expertise

  The successful candidate for this position would need to be able to demonstrate the following skills:-

• Extensive experience, ability and proven record in delivering equine physiotherapy services to improve performance.  This must include work with high performance sport horses.

• A comprehensive understanding of the needs of elite athletes, coaches and high performance sport horses in a world class performance environment.

• Hold a primary degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy.  A primary degree in Human Physiotherapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy with a post graduate masters course (or equivalent) in Veterinary Physiotherapy, will also be considered.   

• It is desirable to be a registered Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioner (RAMP) or registered with The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).

• Be compliant with Professional Codes of Conduct, standards and guidelines.

• Possess sound knowledge of the human and equine anti-doping and medication control processes for both national and international competition.

• Willingness to complete the required training, such as, safeguarding and anti-doping.

• The ability to operate as part of a high performing multi-disciplinary Equine Science and Sports Medicine delivery team.

• Commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge to be at the forefront of new developments in equine physiotherapy.

  As the needs of the business change the scope of the services required may change and this document should be viewed as a guideline which may be subject to change.

  Closing date for applications will be 30th November 2024 (17:00). Interviews to be held w/c 9th December 2024.

  If your application is successful, the interview will include a practical assessment and competency based questions.

  British Equestrian is committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation to bring new and different perspectives to our work. So that we can more closely reflect UK society, we particularly encourage applications from individuals within groups which are currently underrepresented within our organisation and include candidates from ethnically diverse communities, candidates with a disability, candidates from the LBTQ community or from under served communities.  

  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the application or interview process, please contact melissa.kinrade@bef.co.uk 

  If you would like to discuss the role informally please contact Amanda Evans, Head of Performance Support: amanda.evans@bef.co.uk