Equestrian Manager (Barn Manager)

Equestrian Manager

A private, boutique riding barn is seeking an exceptional, hands-on manager for its developing program. This team leader will work with the owners of the farm to create and implement a solid personal riding program for the family and their personal horses. Broad responsibilities include practical and attentive horse care, managing a fastidious high-end barn, and creating a positive riding and barn culture on the farm.

The principal family enjoys pleasure riding on the farm grounds, trails, schooling low level dressage and hunter/jumpers, and general well-rounded horsemanship practices. They are interested in competing in dressage, hunters and/or jumpers, potentially fox hunting, participating in hunter paces, and generally having a good time whilst on safe, fun horses. The barn consists of all-around quiet geldings who are suitable for pleasure riding (6 geldings). They are actively looking to add performance level horses to the herd and the new Equestrian Manager will be part of that search and acquisition.

General barn management responsibilities will include:

• Manage a staff of 2-5 employees, including scheduling, payroll reporting, onboarding, etc.
• Ensure barn is well stocked with supplies, supplements, first-aid needs, grooming tools, well fitting and safe tack, and clean and functioning equipment
• Cover work shifts that may include feeding, turn-out/in, mucking stalls and dry lots, dragging pastures and arena, cleaning the barn and equipment, repairing and cleaning tack, and other typical day-to-day work of the barn team.
• Manage pasture rotations to maintain pristine appearance.
• Drive truck and trailer
• Maintain vet, farrier, and husbandry records
• Order supplies such as hay, shavings, etc.
• Maintain relationships and schedules with trainers for lessons and training.

Program development and additional scope:

• Develop tailored work programs for each horse, weighing in with expertise to best match a career path for every horse in the barn.
• Maintain and track horse condition for optimum wellness
• Make sure each horses behavior is monitored for needed intervention, create plan for response to any ill-behavior or early signs of problems (on the ground, in herd, or undersaddle)
• Teach horsemanship and riding lessons to the principal family and their guests, and other barn staff when opportunity arises.
• Maintain a calendar of events and activities for the principal family
• Be a leader in the barn and within the local community, with a boots on the ground approach to generating the best private barn and program in the area.

A perfect opportunity for someone currently working in a competitive showing and training barn looking for a more intimate, slower paced environment. Preference given to a person who has 5 years of management in the industry. This role works closely with the principal family and the General Manager of the farm estate; a positive attitude and a discrete, service-oriented mind is required. Salary competitive and appropriate for high expectations; board for one horse considered.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Equine Management: 5 years (Required)
• Competitive Riding: 8 years (Required)
• Managing Staff: 5 years (Required)

Location:

• Gordonsville, VA 22942 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000