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Free DownloadComplete Horse Industry Job Description Reference |
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.)
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
