EQUESTRIAN ASSISTANT

1. Provides both individual and group instruction on safe horsemanship practices and techniques, grooming, saddling, and related horse care, and horse behavior to persons with varying experiences and familiarity with horses; demonstrates mounted and unmounted techniques as needed; provides suggestions to participants to improve their skills.    

2. Evaluates and identifies any potential behavioral or health issues impacting the horse's suitability for programs and takes remedial action as necessary.

3.  Collects, maintains, and prepares documents and records including but not limited to release forms, participant attendance, horse health and behavior, and facilities and premises safety.

4.  Assists with monitoring and evaluating facilities and premises to ensure they are safe and well maintained; identifies safety hazards; takes immediate corrective action and/or brings hazards to the attention of appropriate staff to eliminate hazards; terminates program if necessary to protect the rider and/or the horse.

5. Brushes, trims, and curries coat of horses; inspects horses for evidence of disease and injury; administers medication and treats horses in accordance with instruction from the Barn Supervisor.

6. Maintains stalls including water and feeding equipment; feeds, waters, and exercises horses; clean horse quarters and removes manure from paddocks, arenas, and grounds.  

7. Assists with monitoring volunteers in existing work methods and proper use of materials and equipment to ensure conformance with acceptable standards.  

8. Assists in implementing events, recreational programs, educational programs, and wellness programs as needed.

9. Provides assistance and information to the general public.

10.  Operates some heavy equipment in the maintenance of the facility such as a skid loader, tractor, gator, or pick-up truck and trailer.

11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of safe horseback riding practices and techniques.

Ability to effectively adjust to new or changing techniques in working with horses and/or riders.

Ability to greet the public, provide information, and answer questions.

Ability to identify disease, injury, or behavior problems of horses.

Ability to identify potential safety hazards and take appropriate action.

Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time.

Ability to monitor the work of volunteers.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Ability to collect information and maintain accurate records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, and the general public.

Ability to administer medication in accordance with instructions from the Barn Supervisor.

Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions.

Ability to lift and carry hay, feed, supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Graduation from high school, and six months of experience with the care and working of horses, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Certification from an equestrian institution such as PATH, EAGALA, or CHA preferred.

Special Requirements

• Part-Time Positions:

  • A criminal background check is required.
  • A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
  • Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
  • A drug screen is required.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
  • Candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• On-Call and Seasonal Position:
  • A criminal background check is required.
  • A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
  • Candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.