What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horse Caretaker Large Farm position at Red Fern Riding Center - Shelby Trails Horse Park?
Horse Care Team — Simpsonville, KY
Red Fern Riding Center is looking for experienced horse people to join our Horse Care Team.
We are looking for someone who already has solid, hands-on experience with horses and is comfortable caring for a larger herd. Our facility currently has approximately 40 horses, and this role is an important part of keeping their daily routines consistent and their care needs properly monitored.
The right person will be comfortable working independently, following established feeding and turnout routines, and recognizing when something about a horse's condition or behavior doesn't look right.
Hours & Pay
Schedule: Monday–Sunday, with weekend availability preferred
Available shifts include:
- AM: 6:30 AM–10:30 AM
- PM: 4:00 PM–7:30 PM
Starting rate: $17/hour
Employment classification: Independent Contractor (1099)
What You'll Be Doing
Daily responsibilities may include:
- Measuring and preparing individual grain meals and supplements
- Feeding horses in stalls and pasture
- Following established feeding instructions and schedules
- Turning horses out and bringing them back in according to the daily schedule
- Checking water buckets and pasture tanks and keeping them filled and clean
- Watching for changes in eating habits, attitude, movement, or overall condition
- Identifying and promptly communicating concerns such as possible colic, lameness, injury, or illness
- Preparing feed or supplies for the next shift
- Keeping work areas clean, orderly, and safe
- Completing other barn tasks as assigned
Who We're Looking For
This position requires recent, practical horse experience. It is not a good fit for someone whose horse experience is primarily recreational or from occasional riding.
Applicants should have:
- 2–5 years of recent hands-on horse care/handling experience
- Confidence working around multiple horses and a larger herd
- Experience with feeding, watering, turnout, and general daily horse care
- The ability to notice and communicate changes in a horse's health or behavior
- A strong understanding of safe horse handling
- Dependability and good attention to detail
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to work independently
- Must be 18 or older
Experience Needed
We especially value experience from boarding barns, lesson programs, training facilities, farms, breeding operations, rescues, or other environments where you were responsible for the care of multiple horses.
Knowledge of equine nutrition, supplements, herd management, turnout routines, and monitoring horses for changes in condition is a plus.
How to Apply
Send an email to rfrcemployment@gmail.com with the following information:
- Your recent horse-related experience
- The types of horse care you have been responsible for
- Your general availability and whether you can work weekends
- Approximately how far you live from Simpsonville, KY
Horse-related references may be included if available, but they are not required.
A Few Things to Know
- This is an in-person, hands-on position
- You will work directly with horses on a regular basis
- We will train you on our specific facility procedures and routines
- Scheduling can be flexible depending on availability and staffing needs
- Consistency and reliability are especially important in this position
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17