Qualified Saddler

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club ("the Club") is a world-class horse sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique value creation model, through which the Club generates sustainable economic and social value for the benefit of the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.

The Division

The Racing Division is committed to managing all aspects of Hong Kong’s world-class sport of horse racing, covering the full value chain — from importation and training to racedays, equestrian, welfare, integrity, and international engagement.  We're shaping racing into a dynamic sporting, social, and entertainment experience.

Job Summary

The Qualified Saddler plays a pivotal role in the Equestrian Affairs Department, not only in providing high-quality saddlery services but also in fostering collaboration and education within the equine community, both in Hong Kong and beyond. This position is essential for enhancing the overall equine value chain, particularly in the context of providing well-fitting equipment to ensure horse welfare.

The Qualified Saddler  will report to the Senior Manager, Equestrian (BREC) to provide high quality services of a professional saddler to Club’s equestrian horses in Hong Kong and Mainland China.  Working across multiple locations, they will be responsible for, but not exclusively, the duties listed below.

The Job

• Provide a full range of saddlery support services to all the HKJC riding schools, private riding schools and associated partners as required.
• Provide advice and services relating to saddle selection and fitting, as well as other tack related matters to Members and livery clients as needed
• Undertake repair and maintenance of all saddlery items to ensure safety and efficient use of resources
• Advise on the purchase of saddlery items to ensure suitability, quality, and cost efficiency
• Ensure suitable, well-fitting equipment is used on all horses to maintain excellent horse care
• Perform quarterly checks on all school horses’ tack, adjust, refit bridles, and adjust, re-flock saddles as necessary, keeping suitable records and providing reports to the SME
• Collaborate closely with the Equestrian Veterinary team to provide advice on horses with back issues
• Maintain adequate stock of repair items, along with ensuring appropriate stock control measures in place and records are maintained
• Undertake training of apprentice saddlers to develop their skills towards achieving accreditation and becoming professional saddlers
• Undertake training of coaches and stable staff in the area of advanced saddle and equipment fitting, ensuring that all personnel are knowledgeable about the latest development in saddlery
• Contribute to the development of the equine value chain by collaborating with various stakeholders, including stable managers, veterinarians, and equestrian facilities, to ensure a holistic approach to horse care and performance
• Deliver seminars or lectures on saddlery related topics in Hong Kong, Mainland China and others, as directed by Senior Manager, Equestrian (BREC)/ Executive Manager, Equestrian Affairs or Head of Equestrian Affairs, to raise awareness about the importance of proper saddlery in equestrian sports
• Utilize specialized skills to conduct educational programs in Mainland China, focusing on saddle fitting, maintenance, and the importance of quality saddlery in equestrian sports, aiming to facilitate knowledge transfer and promote the significance of proper saddlery in horse welfare and performance
• Advocate for the integration of saddlery education into broader equestrian training programs, emphasizing the role of quality equipment in enhancing horse welfare and competitive success
• Actively engage with saddlers from Racing Operations, to share best practice in saddlery fitting and maintenance.  Organize joint workshops and training sessions to enhance the skills of both racing and general saddlers, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge exchange
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by Management

About You

• Be a qualified bench saddler with at least five years’ experience
• Be a qualified and experienced saddle fitter
• Be a team player but able to work on own initiative 
• Be customer focused
• Preferably be a fluent speaker of English; an understanding of Cantonese will be an advantage, but not essential
• All saddle fitting, adjusting and fixing
• Training of apprentices
• Overview of all leatherwork repairs
• Stock oversight and record keeping

Apply Now!

We offer competitive salary and benefits packages, dynamic working environment and development opportunities.

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Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Hiring

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcomed to apply. If you have any special needs or require accommodations during the interview process, please e-mail us via [email protected].

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the Club's notice to employees and job applicants relating to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. A copy of which will be provided immediately upon request.