The South Devon Hunt is seeking to recruit additional staff to join our small friendly team at The Kennels in Pulsford near Newton Abbot. We are a young but highly committed team who take pride in our standards and value loyalty, flexibility, hard work and team spirit. We hunt three mornings per week from early August to late October, then five days per fortnight until early April. We need proactive and professional people who use their initiative and take pride in their care of animals and general duties. Relevant experience is highly desirable, but any honest, enthusiastic and dependable candidates will be considered, and on-the-job training will be made available to those with gaps in their skills and knowledge. Rates of pay are competitive and commensurate with experience.
PART-TIME GROOM
We’re looking for a capable and confident rider to exercise our fit but mannerly horses, who is motivated to achieve the highest standards of stable management, tack and turnout. Hours are negotiable but Tuesdays and Fridays are generally a priority, with extra shifts available throughout the week. Plenty of opportunities to hunt await the right person, but there is no pressure to do so. HGV is a bonus but by no means essential. There is no accommodation currently available, but this might change in future. Availability for an immediate start is preferable. Self-employed freelancers are also welcome to make contact.
FULL OR PART-TIME KENNELMAN
We need a Kennelman to assist our Huntsman in taking the very best care of our hounds and managing our growing Fallen Stock Service. Primary duties include feeding and exercising hounds, cleaning kennels, administering treatments, caring for puppies and skinning. Additional hours, if of interest, will be spent working with horses and/or helping in the country. Plenty of opportunities to hunt await the right person, mounted or otherwise. Firearms licence, HGV and ability to exercise horses are bonuses but by no means essential. There is no accommodation currently available, but this might change in future. Availability for an immediate start is highly desirable.
PROFESSIONAL WHIPPER-IN
A Professional Whipper-In is sought for the 2025-26 season. An immediate start may be considered for the right applicant, but the Whip’s three bedroom bungalow is not presently available. We hope to find someone with a passion for hounds and hunting, but also for horses, and who wants to be an integral member of our tightknit community. We will consider applicants with limited previous experience so long as they are eager to learn and unafraid of hard work. Apprenticeship opportunities exist for young applicants. Primary duties in Kennels include feeding and exercising hounds, cleaning kennels, administering treatments, caring for puppies, skinning and valeting, but our small yet high-performing team relies on flexibility and the successful candidate will also be willing to help exercise horses, muck out stables and clean tack. Our varied country can be challenging to cross safely at speed, so a calm, kind and competent rider would be at a clear advantage.
Contact masters@southdevonhunt.co.uk to apply or for more information.
