Equestrian Program Staff

OVERVIEW
 The Equestrian Program Staff member is an outgoing, positive individual with a passion for horsemanship. This person has a solid understanding of working with horses on the ground including handling, grooming and tacking. They have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and the ability to share what they know with others. A basic ability to ride is required. This job is primarily weekends with some afternoon/evening weekday work. 

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Assists with all equestrian programs including, but not limited to:
  1. Trail rides
  2. Birthday parties
  3. Lead line rides
  4. Adopt a horse
  5. General programs
  6. Lessons
• Assist with lessons by helping pull horses from pastures, and teaching participants to groom, saddle and bridle 
• Engages participants by teaching them how to be safe around horses on the ground including proper etiquette for approaching and handling horses
• Makes sure all program areas stay clean and presentable
• Ensures all tack is cleaned regularly and grooming boxes are organized
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Excellent horse husbandry and horse handling skills
• Basic knowledge of horse health, first aid and nutrition
• Ability to remain calm, think clearly and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships 
• Excellent customer service and effective communication skills
• Ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends, evenings, and holidays

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or/ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• High school education or equivalent preferred; supplemented by one to two years of equestrian experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.   
• Prior knowledge of horses and equine behavior required
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention training; will train

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION
 No supervisory responsibilities 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed essentially outdoors. While performing the duties of the job, employee is frequently

exposed to loud noises and odors. Stands and walks for extended periods of time. Frequently performs moderate lifting and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs. While performing the semi-manual duties of this job, the employee works in hot, and humid weather conditions. The employee is exposed to assorted soaps, sprays, horse manure, disinfectants, medicines, and odors associated with animal barns. Position may involve riding, exercising and lunging of horses.