Barn Manager

REPORTS TO: Operations Manager

SUPERVISES: Horse Specialists, Barn Aides, Farm Volunteers

LOCATION: Hold Your Horses, Greenfield, MN

HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours per week (including some weekends and holidays)

SALARY: $45,000 to $50,000

OVERVIEW: Hold Your Horses (HYH) is a nonprofit equine-assisted and nature-based therapy farm that provides transformative services for individuals and the community. The Barn Manager directs daily operations of our horses and farm facilities–ensuring the health and safety of the horses, functionality of the facilities, and effectiveness of the farm team, including volunteers.

The position blends hands-on horsemanship expertise with strong organizational leadership skills. The ideal candidate is an experienced horse professional with a deep understanding of equine health and conditioning, experience operating farm machinery, proven management skills, and the ability to build a supportive, trauma-responsive environment for both humans and animals.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee daily farm operations, ensuring smooth coordination between horse care, facilities, and programming.
• Supervise and support farm staff, including Horse Specialists, Farm Assistants, Land & Facilities Coordinator, and volunteers.
• Collaborate closely with Operations Manager to align farm practices with HYH's mission and therapy programs.
• Develop and maintain volunteer and barn chores schedules, horse conditioning routines, and barn work plans.
• Maintain consistent communication with the therapy and administrative teams.
• Participate in leadership and team meetings to represent farm needs and updates.
• Participate in barn chore shifts as part of the farm coverage schedule.
• Step into client sessions as a substitute horse leader or therapy aide when needed.

Equine Care & Herd Management

• Oversee all aspects of herd health, wellness, and safety–ensuring early identification, treatment, and follow-up for medical and behavioral concerns.
• Maintain broad knowledge of equine health management, including prevention, conditioning, and care for age-related and chronic issues.
• Provide and oversee first aid and treatment for minor injuries and health concerns, in collaboration with veterinarians and farriers.
• Lead and support farm team in implementing conditioning, groundwork, lunging, and long-lining programs to maintain and improve horse fitness and topline.
• Be available–or designate coverage–for horse-related emergencies.
• Maintain strong relationships with horse owners, oversee lease and adoption agreements, including paperwork.
• Manage all horse-related documentation and records (health, feed, conditioning, lease, and ownership).
• Lead or participate in identifying, evaluating, and acquiring new horses for the program.
• Organize and support the process when horses transition out of the program, including communication with owners and care planning.

Horsemanship Education & Mentorship

• Provide hands-on coaching in horsemanship and riding skills for staff and volunteers.
• Model safe, ethical, and trauma-informed handling practices.
• Support and mentor volunteers and staff in developing confidence and skill in groundwork and horse care.

Facilities Oversight & Vendor Coordination

• Collaborate with the Land & Facilities Coordinator to ensure property maintenance & restoration, groundskeeping, and repairs are completed safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and Land & Facilities Coordinator on property improvements and restoration projects.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors and contractors–handling ordering, scheduling, and communication of all supplies, services, and regular maintenance projects (except for specialized repairs and projects managed directly by the Land and Facilities Coordinator).

Volunteer Management

• Lead the onboarding, coordination, and retention of farm volunteers.
• Schedule volunteers and maintain the barn chore schedule to ensure coverage for holidays and staff absences.
• Organize or schedule volunteer training sessions and ensure consistent communication about barn chores operations.
• Foster a welcoming, collaborative, and safety-orientated volunteer culture aligned with HYH's mission and values.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain documentation for horse health, feeding, conditioning, and property maintenance and operations.
• Manage purchasing, ordering, and scheduling or supplies and services from vendors.
• Assist the Operations Manager with budgeting, reporting, and long-term operational planning.
• Participating in farm planning, event support, and community engagement as needed.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal animal welfare and safety regulations.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of professional equine experience, including herd management, training, and health care.
• Proven ability to assess and manage a wide range of equine health conditions.
• Competence in groundwork, lunging, and long-lining for strength and conditioning.
• Experience working with senior horses.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in an equine or farm setting.
• Excellent communication, organization, and management skills.
• Ability to teach horsemanship and foundational riding skills to others.
• Experience operating—or willingness to learn operation of—farm equipment (tractor, skid steer, mowers, etc.).
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs and work in all weather conditions.
• Calm, adaptable, and compassionate with people and animals.
• Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, Google Workspace).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practices.

BENEFITS: Paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values healing through horses and nature. Hold Your Horse is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

TO APPLY: Submit a resume and cover letter to Loveaya Magnus at with the subject line: Barn Manager Application.

Hold Your Horses is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. Individuals who are BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45, $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000