Common Job Descriptions
Here are some tips on selecting
the right job types,
a list of commonly used job
titles, and
descriptions of how to interpret
these positions.
How to Select a Position that Fits Your Profile
Whether you are a job seeker or employer, it is important to select the correct job type or title. Job seekers -- select job types that genuinely fit your background and positions that actually exist in the job market. Employers -- select a job title that will be interpreted correctly for the job you have open. Job titles like trainer, groom, and many others frequently have different meanings for job seekers and employers, which leads to communication breakdowns and hiring failures. Don't reduce your chances of success because you have selected the wrong job type/title or have misunderstood how job titles are commonly interpreted. This list is provided to help you avoid these pitfalls.
Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make
1. Selecting a job with a title that is not commonly used in the job market. For example: "Intern" is a job title that is commonly used by colleges and universities, but it is rarely used by horse industry employers.
2. Selecting a job that requires more experience and skill than the job seeker really has. Some people think that the way to advance their career is to apply for jobs that will stretch their abilities to the limit. This usually backfires. Seek jobs that you can currently do and perform well at. Opportunities to advance will be available to you after you establish a successful track record.
3. Misunderstanding how a job title is used by employers. For instance, to most employers the word "trainer" refers to a person with an accomplished record training horses and competing with them successfully in more than simply local shows. Some job seekers seem to think that the word "trainer" refers to anybody that engages in "training activities," even if they are very basic activities and the person has little competitive experience.
4. Looking for "any job" instead of focusing on a particular job. It is quite common for job seekers to think that the best way to get a job is to consider any position the job market might offer them. However, the most effective job seekers determine the specific job type they are interested in, research how to go about getting it, and then seek that job specifically. Employers respond better to job seekers who are focused and committed to finding a particular kind of job.
5. Thinking that a certain type of job will provide better compensation and working conditions. Some job seekers, particularly those who are "burned out" on a particular kind of work, think that the grass is greener in certain types of jobs. For instance, someone who has spent several years as a groom -- working long hours at low pay without moving into a more advanced position -- may think that switching to an administrative or sales job will improve their situation. This may or may not be true. Working conditions, compensation, and opportunities to advance relate more to the type of employer you work for than the type of job you are doing. Good and bad jobs can be found within all types of work.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
1. Trying to "warn" people with a job title. Some employers intentionally use a job title like Stable Help or Groom to warn people that their position requires a willingness to do basic work like cleaning stalls or to be sure people understand that a job does NOT involve riding or training. This is a mistake. To attract the best people, ads for job openings should be positive and focus on reasons that make a job a great opportunity. Don't try to "warn" people with your ad. If you do, you will simply warn the good people away from your position, and you will be stuck with whoever is left.
2. Trying to say everything about your job with the title. Some employers are too concerned with the message a job title will send to job seekers, and they try to cover too many bases with a job title (for instance, Groom/Rider/Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager). Because a job title needs to be accompanied by a more detailed description of the job, an exact title is not necessary. A Groom/Rider/Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager position could be simply titled Barn Manager. The specific duties would then be explained in the description.
Common Job Types
Please Note: If you
need help determining the job types or title that are best for you, Contact Us.
The descriptions provided in this
list are approximations. Actual descriptions will vary from one employer
to another. Many job types are not covered here.
Horse Care,
Daily Operations, and Entry Level Positions
Breeding and Foaling
Opportunities for On-the-Job
Training
Training and Competing
Riding Instruction
Manager
Sales
Administrative
Other
Combination Positions
A. In General
Many horse industry positions require
excellent physical condition and stamina. Hours tend to be irregular
and long. Extended periods of work without time off may be required.
In some cases, pay scales may be lower because many people will accept
less money simply for the opportunity to work with horses. In many
employees' minds, the chance to be around horses is considered a fringe
benefit which frequently offsets being paid lower wages.
B. Horse Care, Daily Operations, and Entry Level Positions
These jobs require varying levels
of basic horse care experience. They are usually available in large
numbers and can provide an excellent opportunity to "get your foot in the
door" with a really good employer (even for more advanced job seekers).
Assistant Barn Manager, Assistant Stable Manager
These two positions are interchangeable.
Because there is usually very little breakdown of labor in horse operations,
these positions are similar to Groom and Stable Help positions. Because
some people consider the terms "Groom" and "Stable Help" demeaning (even
though they are not demeaning jobs at all), these titles make good substitutes.
In most cases, the "Manager" component of these positions is limited to
making certain that daily chores are completed. See Groom and Stable Help.
Breeding Farm Assistant
This position is similar to Groom
or Stable help. The term is commonly used where Groom or Stable Help
duties are extended to include assistance with breeding and/or foaling
under supervision. See Groom and Stable
Help.
Caretaker (horse care)
The term "Caretaker" is used in
two ways in the horse industry. In this instance, a caretaker is
someone who cares for horses on a daily basis. This position is similar
to Stable Help. Due to the potential for
confusion, we recommend that the use of "Caretaker" be limited to the other
type of Caretaker position; see Caretaker (estate).
See Stable Help.
Groom
The duties of a Groom position
vary. Usually, the duties include daily care of horses (feeding,
cleaning stalls, etc.), but not always. Groom positions often include
personal care of horses: bathing, brushing, clipping, etc.
Groom positions can also include basic training activities such as longeing
and exercising horses, assistance with breeding and foaling, assisting
the vet and farrier, doing light maintenance, etc. Grooms may be
required to operate farm equipment. Groom positions are quite common,
and job seekers can choose from a wide variety of employers. A carefully
selected Groom position can become a springboard to more advanced opportunities.
See Stable Help.
Horse Person
The term Horse Person may be used
by employers when their position does not fit under any commonly used job
title. Because it does not indicate a specific set of duties, we
recommend that job seekers not use the term. Horse Person positions
may involve some or all of the following: basic Groom and Stable Help duties, training activities,
breeding and foaling activities, maintenance, hauling horses, and more.
Management duties are usually NOT involved.
Maintenance Person
This type of position is focused
primarily on duties that don't relate directly to horses, such as building
maintenance,
fence repair, pasture maintenance, landscape maintenance, various types
of construction, etc. A few such positions may require advanced skills
such as plumbing, welding, electrical, mechanical, heavy equipment operation,
etc. Ability to operate farm equipment is commonly required.
Typically, minor horse related skills are needed to assist with handling
horses from the ground, loading them into trailers, etc.
Show Groom
A Show Groom position is similar
to a Groom position, but it may be more specialized.
In addition to daily work "on the farm," this job typically involves traveling
to shows or competitions in order to help with show related activities
and to prepare horses for the show ring. Special skills related to
a specific type of horse may be required such as braiding, tail sets, harnessing,
etc. Top show grooms generally specialize in preparing a particular
type of horse for the show ring, and they are familiar with all the "tricks
of the trade" and grooming rules that apply. In racing circles, a
person who does "Sales Prep" is similar to a Show Groom. Sales Prep
involves conditioning and grooming horses for sale at private treaty or
at an auction sale. See Groom.
Stable Help, Ranch Hand, Farm Help, Barn Help
This position is often disguised
under many different names, but if there is an entry level position for
working with horses, this is it. However, this type of position can also
provide an opportunity for more advanced people to get a new start with
a really top employer. It is better to work as Stable Help for a
top operation with a superior reputation than to work as a Manager for
a backyard operation going nowhere. Stable Help type positions are
quite common, providing the job seeker with the opportunity to choose from
a wide variety of employers. Duties typically include daily care
of horses (feeding, stall cleaning, etc.), light maintenance (mowing lawns,
painting fences, etc.), and assisting with health care. A variety
of more advanced duties may be included, such as grooming, assisting with
breeding or foaling, training activities, and assisting the owner or manager
with anything needed. Operating farm equipment is sometimes required.
Entry level Stable Help positions require only minor experience with daily
horse care, and they benefit from some experience handling horses from
the ground. A few weeks of volunteer work at a stable can provide
enough background to qualify for an entry level Stable Help job.
Trainer's Assistant
This position is essentially the
same at Show Groom. Since the word "groom" is considered demeaning
by some job seekers (even though it is not demeaning work), Trainer's Assistant
is a good substitute. Any training activities associated with this
type of position are usually limited to longeing, conditioning, and ground
work. See Show Groom.
C. Breeding and Foaling
These jobs are usually found on
a breeding farm. They generally require significant experience.
They frequently involve more than simply breeding and foaling activities.
Assistant Breeding Manager
In many cases, there will be little
difference
between this position and Breeding Farm Assistant. This position
may require significant experience with breeding and foaling, including
experience handling stallions for breeding. Because breeding and
foaling are commonly seasonal activities, more general duties such as maintenance
and herd health may be included. On larger operations, an Assistant Breeding
Manager may have responsibilities similar to a Breeding Manager, and a
similar background may be required. See Breeding
Farm Assistant and Breeding Manager.
Breeding Manager
A Breeding Manager is generally
in charge of breeding and foaling and may also be the general Farm Manager
on some farms. Significant background and/or training in breeding
and foaling are required. Stallion handling, record keeping, broodmare
care, health care, breeding, foaling, foal handling, and client relations
are required skills in most positions. Additional skills may include
shipping semen, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, lab work, genetics,
etc. A minimum of 5 years of on-the-job experience in breeding activities
or a Master's Degree in Equine Reproduction is commonly required.
See Farm Manager.
Broodmare Manager
On larger operations or operations
where stallions are not present, a Broodmare Manager is generally in charge
of broodmare care and foaling. This position is similar to Breeding
Manager without the duties related to stallions and breeding. See Breeding
Manager.
Foaling Attendant, Night Watch Person
Although experience is preferred
for this type of position, it may be the least advanced of the positions
in this group. Because mares generally have their foals at night
with very little advance warning and because many owners prefer that foaling
be attended by a person experienced with any problems that might arise,
many farms hire people during breeding season to sit and watch pregnant
mares for signs of labor. Sometimes the foaling attendant will simply
be required to alert a more experienced person when a mare is about to
give birth. More experienced foaling attendants may be responsible
for the entire foaling process. Foaling attendant positions may also
include nighttime activities such as handling late night pick up and delivery
of horses, overseeing farm security, administering nighttime treatments
and medications, etc. These positions are commonly seasonal.
They are best suited to people who prefer working at night. Sometimes
this role is filled by employees who usually have daytime duties and who
switch to night watch during foaling season.
Stallion Manager
On larger operations or operations
where mares are not around except for breeding, a Stallion Manager is generally
in charge of stallion care and breeding. This position is similar
to a Breeding Manager position without the duties relating to foaling.
See Breeding Manager.
D. Opportunities for On-the-Job Training
These opportunities are structured
so that part of the compensation includes receiving formal on-the-job training
from
a knowledgeable professional. Caution should be exercised when selecting
these positions because a few employers offer this type of position as
a way to get help inexpensively, and they don't really provide much formal
training. However, the good opportunities come at all levels.
Some are for entry level people, some are for people with limited experience,
and some are for more advanced job seekers. Opportunities like
these can sometimes be arranged by requesting that another type of job,
such as Stable Help or Groom,
be restructured to provide formal on-the-job training as part of the compensation. If a job seekers is interested, he or she should ask if a job
can be structured this way.
Apprentice
The term apprentice may be applied
to any job title. For instance, Apprentice Stable Manager, Apprentice
Rider, Apprentice Trainer, Apprentice Farrier, etc. The job will
generally include study under an experienced and successful person who
will impart his or her knowledge to the apprentice over time as a formal
part of the employment arrangement. Some apprentice positions are
actually programs of study that follow a preset format. Many such
positions will provide a minimal salary and a place to live. Some
will provide a specific transition to a full position at a predetermined
time. Others will provide an end point with a certificate of completion
which will enable the participant to obtain a full position with another
employer. The following are the two most common types of apprentice
opportunities.
Apprentice Trainer
An Apprentice Trainer generally
studies particular types of training under an experienced Trainer and competitor,
and the Apprentice Trainer helps that trainer/competitor by performing
Show Groom/Stable Help type duties. In this job, the apprentice will
work directly under the supervision of the trainer. This position
is commonly confused with Assistant Trainer,
which usually does NOT include study under a Trainer and the direct supervision
of a Trainer. Any position where the employee is working in close
proximity to a Trainer, such as Show Groom or Trainer's Assistant can become
in effect an informal Apprentice Trainer position. The formal and
structured opportunities are the ones referred to as Apprentice Trainer.
See Show Groom and Stable
Help.
Working Student
The term Working Student is most commonly used by the
Hunter/Jumper and Dressage related segments of the horse industry, but
it is not limited to that segment. A working
student generally studies riding by taking lessons under an experienced
instructor/competitor and also helps that person with Show Groom/Stable
Help type duties. Working Student positions are similar to Apprentice
Trainer positions, but they are often focused more on improving the riding
of the employee than on training horses. See Apprentice
Trainer, Show Groom, and Stable
Help.
E. Training and Competing
These positions require significant
experience and should be chosen by job seekers only if they have such experience.
Assistant Trainer
An Assistant Trainer is an experienced
person capable of starting horses in basic training without supervision,
such as starting under saddle or for driving. The job of this person
is to do the basic training and then send the started horses to the Trainer
for advanced training and finishing. Not only must this person train
horses without coaching or supervision, but Assistant Trainers may also
be expected to operate when the Trainer is completely absent. This
position is commonly confused with Apprentice Trainer which, by contrast,
involves direct supervision and coaching by a Trainer. This position
may or may not include a variety of duties commonly associated with Stable
Help and Groom positions. See Stable Help, Groom,
and Apprentice Trainer.
Driver (Standardbred Racing)
This is a highly skilled and specialized
position requiring special training and licensing. The driver is
the person who actually races a Standardbred trotter. He is the Standardbred
equivalent of a Jockey.
Exercise Rider
Equimax limits the use of the term
Exercise Rider to a specific kind of position with race horses. This
position is commonly confused with jobs that may involve exercising horses
such as Groom, Rider, or Schooling Rider. Exercise rider is a highly
specialized position requiring specific experience. Race horses are
generally trained under the guidance of an experienced person who is called
a Trainer but who does not actually ride the horses. The Exercise
Rider does the actual riding under the supervision and direction of the
Trainer. Exercise Riders must be experienced with riding very young
horses at extremely high speeds under potentially dangerous conditions.
There is commonly a weight requirement. Many employers require that
Exercise Riders weigh 135 lbs. or less. In some situations, an Exercise
Rider may be given a group of 3-6 horses and be required not only to ride
them but also to provide for their full daily care and grooming.
See Schooling Rider for information on less
specialized positions that involve exercising horses.
Jockey
This is a highly skilled and specialized
position requiring special training and licensing. The Jockey is
the person who actually rides race horses in races. Many Jockeys
are independent contractors and not on salary with a single stable.
Loper
Loper is a term commonly used in
western performance disciplines such as Cutting. The activities of
a Loper are similar to that of a Schooling Rider. A Loper is charged
with riding competition horses to keep them in good physical condition
and to maintain their training. Experience and excellent riding skills
are generally required. Lopers may be required to do a variety of
other duties such those of Groom and Stable Help positions. See Schooling
Rider, Groom, and Stable
Help.
Rider
A Rider is a person who rides horses
in a specific professional context such as in the show ring, in the auction
ring, or at demonstrations and events. This position is commonly
confused with Schooling Rider, and the terms are used interchangeably by
some employers. Significant background and experience are required.
Although Riders may be hired on salary in some cases, in others they are
hired on contract for a specific purpose. For instance, a Trainer
may hire a Rider to show certain horses when the Trainer has a conflict
and cannot be in two classes at the same time. Riders are commonly
skilled as Trainers, and they may in fact hold jobs
as Trainers. See Schooling Rider.
Schooling Rider, Maintenance Rider, Conditioning Rider
A Schooling Rider, sometimes referred
to simply as "Rider," is a person who rides horses in any informal context
for the purpose of maintaining the horses' conditioning and training.
The position requires experience including excellent riding skills.
Training abilities are helpful. Equimax prefers using the terms in
the heading of this description and encourages limiting the term "Rider"
to the type of position described under Rider. Schooling Riders may
be expected to do some or all of the duties associated with a Groom or Stable Help position. See Groom, Rider,
and Stable Help.
Trainer
A Trainer is a person with significant
background in training and competing (usually in particular disciplines)
and should be capable of training horses from start to finish. Extensive
experience and the ability to operate independently of any supervision
are required. Trainers commonly have noteworthy, successful records
as competitors. Job seekers frequently confuse this position with
other jobs that may include training activities such as Show Groom, Trainer's
Assistant, and Schooling Rider. A Trainer is always much more than
a person who is simply capable of performing training activities.
In addition to having comprehensive experience training horses and an extensive
background in competing, Trainers are usually experienced at buying and
selling horses, relating to clients, etc. Most employers are unwilling
to use the term Trainer to describe anyone with less than 5 years of full
time professional experience in training activities and competition.
See Assistant Trainer, Trainer's
Assistant, Show Groom, and Schooling
Rider.
Trainer/Manager
This combination position is included here because it
is the most common combination position. A Trainer/Manager position
generally includes all the duties and requirements of a Trainer position
plus a variety of additional duties. The additional duties may include
being totally responsible for the success of the operation. Other
duties may include the management of breeding, foaling, maintenance, advertising,
promotion, and health care. Supervision of help is usually required.
See Trainer and Working
Farm Manager.
F. Riding Instruction
Previous experience instructing
riding on more than a casual basis is required.
Assistant Instructor
The term Assistant Instructor is
frequently used when more than one instructor exists in an operation.
An Assistant Instructor may focus primarily on teaching novice and beginning
level riding or may teach several levels of riding under the direction
of a "head" Instructor. For additional details, see Instructor.
Instructor, Riding Instructor
An Instructor is a person with
significant experience teaching people to ride. Instructors commonly
specialize in one or more types of riding such as Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat,
Western, Balanced Seat, etc. In addition, an instructor usually teaches
general horsemanship skills such as horse care, tack care, etc. Lessons
may be structured in groups where several people are taught at the same
time or as private lessons for individuals. Some Instructors specialize
in a particular age group, but many will teach riders of all ages.
Instructors commonly accompany their students to competitive events and
act as their "coach." Some Instructors are also managers responsible
for the day-to-day operation of a riding school. Instructors are
sometimes certified by an independent organization. The most common
certifying organizations are the British
Horse Society, the Certified Horsemanship
Association, and the American Riding
Instructor Certification Program. The state of Massachusetts
requires riding Instructors to hold a license. Instructor positions
may include the duties of a Barn Manager or Trainer. Supervision of other Instructors
may be required.
G. Manager
The term "Manager" is generally
NOT used alone, but in tandem with some other word as shown below.
These positions are commonly "hands-on" "working" positions, although they
may include an administrative component in some cases. Experience
is required.
Barn Manager, Working Barn Manager
The term Barn Manager is used to
describe widely varying positions. Some Barn Managers are responsible
for the total daily operation of a small farm or stable, whereas others
may be responsible for one barn, such as the show barn, on a larger operation.
Experience is required. Barn Managers may be responsible for ordering
feed and supplies, scheduling the vet and farrier, record keeping, and
related administrative duties. In addition, Barn Managers are frequently
expected to handle routine health maintenance (immunizations, deworming,
etc.) and handle medications and injury care under the supervision of the
veterinarian. If there is a staff, supervision of help may be required.
Client relations and sales may be part of the responsibilities. A
Barn Manager position may also include duties of any of the following: Trainer, Assistant
Trainer, Instructor, Breeding
Farm Assistant, Maintenance Person, Groom, Stable
Help.
Farm Manager, Working Farm Manager
On smaller operations, this position
may be identical to a Barn Manager position. On larger operations,
a Farm Manager generally carries more responsibility for the entire operation
including supervision of staff and departments, financial responsibilities,
long range planning, sales, client relations, and more. See Barn
Manager.
Stable Manager
A Stable Manager position is for all practical purposes
identical to a Barn Manager position. Some employers feel that the
word "stable" is a bit more sophisticated than the word "barn," making
Stable Manager a good alternate title. See Barn
Manager.
H. Sales
These jobs concern the sales of
products and services relating to horses. They require sales experience.
Some are filled by people having no horse experience whatsoever.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is generally the
supervisor and coordinator for a group of Sales Representatives.
The requirements of this position usually include skills unrelated to horses,
such as statistical analysis of sales trends, coordination with shipping
and supply, etc. Even when the products and services provided are
directly related to the horse industry, many companies do not require or
seek people having a background with horses for this position.
Sales Representative, Sales Associate
Sales Representatives are the people who take orders
for products or services. They may be on the staff of a particular
company, or they may run their own independent business representing the
product lines of several companies. They may sell wholesale or retail.
A background in sales is required. Background with horses may or
may not be required. Some companies prefer to hire non-horse people;
others prefer to hire horse people with sales experience for Sales Representative
positions. Travel is usually required, sometimes over a large area.
Some companies divide their geographical range into territories, and each
Sales Representative is responsible for a territory.
I. Administrative
Administrative jobs are frequently
filled by non-horse people, although some administrative jobs for horse
people are available. Experience is required.
Executive Director, Administrative Director
This type of position usually occurs
in an association, non-profit organization, or other organized group.
Experience is required. Duties of an Executive Director may include
supervision of departments and activities, fund raising, membership, marketing,
long range planning, reporting to a board of directors, etc.
Office Help, Administrative Assistant, Secretary
This position occurs in a wide variety of operations.
Experience is required. Duties typically include computer work, typing/word
processing, filing, telephone skills, scheduling, travel arrangements,
etc. At this level, positions are frequently filled by non-horse
people. Positions requiring a background in the horse industry may
also include handling show or race entries, auction sale consignments,
breed registrations, client relations, advertising placements, personnel
records, etc. Bookkeeping is required in some instances. Many
positions of this type have a "Girl Friday" component that involves assisting
the supervisor as needed.
J. Other
These are a few of the more common
positions that do not fall in to any of the above categories. There
are many others not listed here.
Caretaker (estate)
This position occurs on a private
farm or estate that is not generally involved in horse industry business
activities. Although Caretaker positions occur on private farms or
estates where no horses exist, this description covers positions where
horses are present. Duties include daily horse care and may include
other duties of a Stable Help or Groom position.
Care for other types of livestock perhaps including cattle, sheep, chickens,
birds, dogs, cats, exotics, etc. may be required. Pasture/landscape
maintenance and gardening may be required. Domestic duties such as
housekeeping, child care, or cooking may be part of the job. In a
few cases, security skills will be needed. Occasionally, the Caretaker
will be expected to provide riding lessons for family members or to assist
with training of the owner's horses. Individual positions vary and
may include the majority or only a few of the duties mentioned.
Carriage Driver
Carriage Drivers come in two major
types. Both require experience. A Competitive Carriage Driver
drives carriages in Competitive Driving competitions. Experience
with the rules, techniques, and attire required for competition is needed.
A Carriage Driver for tours must have some of the same skills but will
not be involved in competition. This second type of carriage driver
typically drives carriages for hire on city streets in historic areas or
can be hired to drive at weddings and other special events. Carriage
Drivers may only be required to drive a one horse rig or may be required
to drive multiple hitches with 2, 4, 6, or 8 horses in hand. Carriage
drivers are commonly responsible for the daily care and maintenance of
their horses, tack, and carriages.
Counselor
A Counselor is a person who is
responsible for a group of campers at a camp and who is commonly required
to teach and supervise as well as eat and sleep with the group. Many
camps include or even specialize in horse related activities. A Counselor
is sometimes required to be a riding Instructor and to teach the campers
to ride. These positions are almost universally seasonal. Many
cover only six to 12 weeks in the summer months. See Instructor.
Driver (Horse Transport)
Horse transport companies hire
Drivers and frequently prefer Drivers having experience with horses.
Driving skills and a clean driving record are required. Although
some companies use smaller truck and trailer rigs or horse vans, many positions
require experience driving a full size tractor/trailer rig. A commercial
drivers license (CDL) is required in most cases. Many such positions
involve extended periods of 6-16 days or more on the road followed by numerous
days off. Horse related duties include loading, unloading, feeding,
watering, etc. Sometimes duties include administering medications
or treating injuries.
Trail Guide
Trail Guide positions occur at
guest ranches, dude ranches, and public riding stables. The primary
duty of a trail guide is to lead groups of riders on an extended ride in
the countryside. Stable Help duties are
commonly included. Overnight rides may involve a variety of additional
duties. Some jobs require little more than basic horsemanship skills.
Others require more advanced skills including horse shoeing, driving teams,
back country outfitting, cooking, etc. First Aid and survival skills,
as well as experience with extreme rural environments, are very helpful
and may be required. Some employers prefer Trail Guides with entertainment
skills, such as singing or playing a musical instrument. Trail Guides
are frequently given responsibility for novice riders in potentially dangerous
situations while having little control over the quality of horses, tack,
and other equipment provided. Positions vary widely and should be
selected carefully. Most positions are seasonal; a few are year round.
See Wrangler.
Veterinary Assistant
The term Veterinary Assistant is
used to indicate anyone who works for a veterinarian and assists with animal
care. Duties generally include assisting with moving and restraining
animals, retrieving and assisting with equipment and materials, and assisting
with administering medications and treatments under the direct supervision
of the veterinarian and in the immediate presence of the veterinarian.
Veterinary assistants commonly travel with veterinarians when they make
calls away from the clinic. Good horsemanship skills are a plus,
but little specialized training is generally needed. See Veterinary
Technician.
Veterinary Technician
A Veterinary Technician has specialized
training and is required to be licensed in many states. The duties
of a Veterinary Technician may include the duties of a Veterinary Assistant
and more advanced duties. However, unlike a Veterinary Assistant,
a Veterinary Technician is trained and qualified to perform many veterinary
procedures without the immediate supervision of the veterinarian.
See Veterinary Assistant.
Wrangler
This position occurs most commonly on a guest ranch or
dude ranch. Duties generally include daily care of horses and tack,
coordinating and scheduling trail rides, planning activities, and assisting
guests as needed. Experience is required. Wranglers may also
be Trail Guides. (The term Wrangler is
also used in the cattle and movie industries to indicate someone responsible
for a herd of livestock, typically horses.)
K. Combination Positions
Any of the above positions may
be combined in a single position. The most common combinations are
Trainer/Manager, Groom/Rider, and Instructor/Manager. Many others
occur.