Top tips for Helpers
Supporting horse owners with care, confidence and professionalism
As a Helper, you play a vital role in supporting horse owners with the day-to-day care and management of their horses. Whether you’re providing occasional assistance or more regular cover, your professionalism and attention to detail make a big difference, not just to the horse’s welfare but also to the owner’s peace of mind.
1. Know your role and build the right profile for you
Upon deciding to become a Helper, take time to create a strong and honest profile. This is how owners will decide whether you’re the right person to help them so it’s important to be clear about:
• The services you are confident and competent to provide
• Your prices for each service
• Your relevant experience and qualifications
• Your availability
Think carefully about what to include as the more accurate and specific your profile, the more likely you are to receive booking requests that suit you.
Each profile is reviewed alongside with the provided proof of address. You will also need to confirm that you have no criminal record and be at least 18 years old before joining our platform. Every request submitted is reviewed and approved by the Horsey Helper team.
2. Understand your insurance responsibilities
As you will be receiving payment for your services, this is considered a commercial arrangement and may invalidate the horse owner’s policy for their horse if anything, through your actions, leads to damage, injury or losses on their part. You must have the correct type of professional insurance, which should ideally include:
• Third Party Liability
• Care, Custody and Control (CCC) cover
If you’re unsure what cover you need, speak to an equine insurance provider to make sure you are protected.
In addition, it is recommended that horse owners should hold, at a minimum, valid Public Liability Insurance for any horse placed in your care. We strongly recommend verifying this during your initial meeting. Feel free to ask the Owner to confirm or share a copy of their insurance policy.
3. Be responsive and transparent when contacted
When an owner reaches out, either with questions or a direct booking request, make sure you:
• Respond in a timely and polite manner
• Are open and honest about your experience, availability, and confidence
• Ask for any key information that will help you decide whether the job is right for you
This stage is all about helping the owner feel confident and informed. Good communication and transparency build trust from the outset.
4. Arrange an introductory meeting with the horse owner
Once a booking is accepted, it’s important to arrange an initial meeting with the owner. This gives you both a chance to:
• Get to know each other
• Be introduced to the horse
• Walk through the care routine and any important details
During the meeting, make sure to:
• Spend time observing the horse. Does it match the owner’s description? Make sure you feel safe and confident.
• Ask the owner to explain the horse’s routine, temperament, and any quirks or behaviour to be aware of.
• Be shown around the yard, where to find feed, tack, grooming equipment and tools.
• Collect emergency contact details, plus vet and farrier information.
• Collect vital information on any security systems, such as padlock or entry codes.
• Be aware of any biosecurity procedures or policies
• Request copies of any documentation such as proof of insurance, and provide your own insurance information if necessary
• Check the yard owner is aware and ensure they have your contact information if the horse is on a livery yard.
• Recap the services and times agreed in the booking.
• Discuss how and when the owner would like updates during the booking.
Bringing a short checklist of points to cover can help you leave the meeting feeling confident and fully informed.
5. Prioritise equine welfare
Welfare comes first. Every horse deserves to be cared for with kindness, consistency and attention to detail. Be sure to:
• Understand and carry out essential horse welfare practices and routine daily care to a high standard
• Understand each horse’s individual needs including their feed, turnout routines, behaviour and handling preferences
• Handle horses confidently and safely
• Follow any specific instructions given by the owner
• Follow the correct biosecurity practices and comply with any policies set by the horse owner or yard
• Raise any concerns you may have with the owner as soon as possible
Attention to detail and good horsemanship go a long way in building trust and keeping horses happy and healthy.
6. Biosecurity matters
When working on different yards or with multiple horses, biosecurity is essential to prevent the spread of illness or disease. Always:
• Wash or sanitise your hands before and after visiting each yard
• Wear clean clothing and disinfect footwear if possible
• Clean and disinfect any shared tools or personal equipment between visits
• Follow any yard-specific biosecurity protocols
• Avoid contact with other equines on the yard
• Ensure you are aware of symptoms of infectious disease and report any concerns in the first instance
Taking these steps shows responsibility and protects the health of every horse in your care.
7. Stay safe and be prepared
Every horse and yard is different, so don’t take anything for granted. Keep yourself safe by:
• Wearing gloves and an approved helmet when handling or leading unfamiliar horses
• Checking that tools and equipment are safe and in good condition
• Keeping the yard tidy and putting everything back where it belongs
• Making sure gates are closed and the area is secure before leaving
• Letting the owner know immediately if you have any safety concerns
Your safety is just as important as the horse’s so don’t be afraid to speak up.
8. Be respectful and reliable
Reliability, respect and professionalism are what make you stand out as a great Helper. Always:
• Respond in a timely manner to any communications
• Arrive on time and complete agreed tasks to a high standard
• Respect the owner’s instructions, the yard environment, and other people on the premises
• Leave everything clean, tidy and secure
After a booking is complete, owners can leave a review of your services. Keeping your standards high will increase your chances of receiving positive feedback and future bookings.
Final thoughts
Being a Helper is a rewarding way to support horse owners and spend time with horses, but it also carries important responsibilities. By following these steps, staying organised and prioritising welfare and communication, you can build lasting, trusted relationships with owners and enjoy every moment of your work.
If you have any questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Horsey Helper team.