Follow Me
Become a Fan
LinkedIn
Horse Care, Daily Operations, and Entry Level Positions
 |
Free DownloadComplete Horse Industry Job Description Reference |
These specific 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.
Horse Care,
Daily Operations, and Entry Level Positions
Breeding and Foaling Positions
Opportunities for On-the-Job
Training
Training and Competing
Riding Instruction Positions
Manager Positions
Sales Positions
Administrative Positions
Other Positions
