Overview:
The ideal Equine Manager is energetic, positive, attentive, ambitious, and engaged. They must be organized, reliable, trustworthy, and possess the ability to work independently. They must demonstrate a level of competency and understanding of the mental health and physical therapy fields, and familiarize oneself with HIPAA standards, and other standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and knowledge associated with working in healthcare. This role entails a large amount of client, volunteer, staff, and donor interface. The role of the Equine Manager is to ensure the wellbeing and quality care of all StableStrides horses.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science, Horse Training, or Horse Management or similar field preferred.
• Possess and maintain a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and learning credential
• At least three years’ experience as a riding instructor and/or stable/barn manager, including training and working with horses
• Extensive and working knowledge and experience with equine management
• Proficient computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and experience with Salesforce a plus
• Experience with managing a budget
• Thorough knowledge of equine assisted activities and therapies
• Extensive knowledge of equine care, nutrition, and conditioning/training
• Good supervision skills and ability to work well with staff, volunteers, and clients at the Center
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, strong organization skills, and a positive team player
• Self-motivated and strong time management skills
• Ability to work with others in the horse and adaptive service industry in the Pikes Peak region
• Must have current, valid driver’s license
• Ability to drive truck & trailer(s)

Horse Care and Training:

• Ride and train multiple horse breeds and support multiple disciplines.
• Troubleshoot and retrain horses (as needed) to create an environment that is safe and satisfying for the horse, volunteers, staff, and clients.
• Train and ride each horse for initial and annual Equine Movement Performance Instrument (EMPI) test.
• Manage and maintain quality care of all horses including routine feeding, care, and supervision of caretakers and Barn Manager.
• Adhere to equine nutritional needs, to include planning and implementing feeding plans.
• Manage and track the ordering of hay, feed, supplements, medications, and all equine supplies
• Research and compare pricing on all services on a quarterly basis. Identify lower cost options to ensure savings to organization.
• Attend to routine and emergency maintenance care and veterinary care for all horses.
• Design and implement training and conditioning plans individualized to each horse.
• Work closely with instructors and staff on health and behavioral issues of the herd
• Communicate daily with staff and volunteers regarding horse issues as needed.
• Actively recruit suitable program horses.
• Perform and follow up on trial horse interviews.
• Secure appropriate retirement homes for program horses.
• Coordinate feed and turn out schedules with staff to make sure that neither interferes with programming sessions.
• Ensure that medications, supplements, and horse medical supplies are well stocked, properly labeled, stored, and documented according to PATH standards.
• Oversee the arrival and introduction of new horses to the herd and the departure of retired horses. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed for each, including brand inspections.
• Hire, train, schedule and supervise caretakers ensuring that horses’ needs are met seven days a week, including holidays.
• Coordinate transportation of horses to offsite events. Assists with special events as needed.
• Oversee horse facilities to ensure a safe environment is provided for horses, volunteers, and clients. Work with the Barn Manager to keep the facility in good condition.
• Assist with special events that include horses, including Special Rodeo, parades, and fundraising events that involve the horses.

Supervision of Staff:

• Supervise all paid employees to ensure the safety of clients, volunteers, and horses.
• Supervise all paid employees to ensure all horses are treated and/or handled appropriately, as well as to ensure that horses are not over-worked.
• Assist “Instructors-in-training” by mentoring and helping them achieve their goals as riding instructors.
• Supervise Interns throughout the year, as needed.

Administrative/Recordkeeping:

• Maintain records on each horse i.e. worming, shoeing, vetting, etc. in an organized manner.
• Maintain equine program budget and expenses.
• Order equine supplies and feed and follow appropriate accounting procedures.
• Promote a positive teamwork atmosphere among volunteers and staff.
• Attend regular staff meetings.
• Assist Executive Director with annual budget for the horse program.
• Assist with PATH accreditation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Instruction of Clients:

• Be willing to provide therapeutic instruction to clients.
• Provide lessons to volunteers as set in the schedule.
• Assist with the Special Rodeo each year.
• Maintain class load of up to 10 hours per week, as scheduled with Client Services Director.
• Take a leadership role in supporting other instructors in their work, including safety, horse & volunteer management, and quality of service.
• Assist Client Services Director to facilitate program needs, including volunteer training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.75 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the ability to ride: walk, trot, canter? If so, please explain.

Ability to Relocate:

• Elbert, CO 80106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person