Hybrid/Remote Assistant (Equestrian Experience Essential)

• Business: Sheepham Saddles
• Location: Hybrid/Remote (UK-based preferred)
• Hours: Part-time (exact hours to be agreed)
• Contract: Initial trial period with potential for ongoing role (freelance / employed to be agreed)

Sheepham Saddles is a UK-based specialist in quality second-hand English saddles – GP, jump, dressage, pony and cob – sold via a busy eCommerce website with a clear 5 Day UK Trial on used saddles.

It’s a small, owner-led business with an excellent reputation for honest advice, personal service and practical, down-to-earth support for horse owners.

The role

We’re looking for a part-time Assistant to provide day-to-day support with admin, social media and general business tasks. The role will start on a trial basis, with the potential to become an ongoing arrangement if it’s a good mutual fit.

This is a varied, hands-on position – ideal for someone who is highly organised and tech-confident, but also genuinely understands horses, saddles and the realities of horse ownership.

You’ll be working closely with the business owner and will play a key part in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Key responsibilities

1. General admin & customer support

• Helping to monitor inboxes and stay on top of day-to-day enquiries (e.g. basic questions about orders, delivery, the 5 Day Trial, returns).
• Preparing and updating simple documents, spreadsheets and checklists.
• Light website admin (training provided) – e.g. checking product information, updating simple text, flagging any issues.
• Helping chase or organise paperwork for returns and Sell Your Saddle enquiries.
• Spotting anything urgent, complex or sensitive and escalating it, rather than guessing.

2. Social media & marketing support

• Drafting and scheduling straightforward, on-brand posts for Facebook and Instagram (e.g. new stock highlights, “saddle of the week”, tips for using the 5 Day Trial, behind-the-scenes updates).
• Writing clear, friendly captions in UK English, matching Sheepham’s tone of voice (knowledgeable, reassuring and practical).

• Organising and labelling photos/content so there’s a useful library to work from.
• Dealing with basic social media messages where appropriate, and passing anything more involved on to the business owner.

3. General business support

• Helping to keep simple task lists and reminders up to date.
• Keeping basic notes/minutes from occasional calls or Zoom meetings.
• Liaising with suppliers and partners on straightforward queries (e.g. chasing tracking details).
• Supporting small ad-hoc projects as needed, such as collecting reviews or collating information for email newsletters.

About you

Equestrian background (non-negotiable)

• You have genuine, hands-on experience with horses – for example owning, loaning, riding regularly at a yard, or working within an equestrian business.
• You understand the basics of English saddles (GP vs jump vs dressage, pony vs cob, common brands) and are comfortable talking to “horsey” customers in plain language.
• You have a sensible approach to welfare and know the boundaries: you’re happy to explain how the 5 Day Trial works, but you won’t try to “fit” a saddle remotely or give vet / lameness advice – you understand that’s for qualified professionals.

Skills & experience

• Previous experience in an admin, customer service or virtual assistant role.
• Confident using email, shared documents (e.g. Google Docs/Sheets), and online tools.
• Comfortable using social media for business (Facebook and Instagram as a minimum); experience with scheduling tools is an advantage.
• Strong written English with good spelling and grammar; able to write clear, friendly messages and captions.
• Highly organised, reliable and comfortable managing your own time when working remotely.
• Happy to “muck in” and turn your hand to whatever is needed that day, within reason.

Nice-to-have (not essential)

• Experience working with an eCommerce website or online shop.
• Basic design skills (e.g. using Canva to create simple graphics).
• Experience within a small, owner-managed business.

Practical details

These will be confirmed with the successful candidate, but as a guide:

• Hours: Part-time – for example, around X–Y hours per week (to be agreed), with some availability during weekday daytimes.
• Working pattern: Flexible, hybrid role (part home-based, part in-office)
• Rate: To be discussed, depending on experience and the agreed working arrangement (freelance / employed).

How to apply

Please send:

• A short CV or summary of your relevant experience.
• A brief note explaining your equestrian background and why this role appeals.
• Any examples of social media content or similar work (if available).

to jo@sheephamsaddles.com