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College Equestrian Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

... College Equestrian Center by providing high-quality care for horses and maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the stables. This role is essential in fostering a welcoming and ...

College Equestrian information

What is a college equestrian?

College equestrians are student-athletes who participate in horseback riding as part of a collegiate team, often competing in disciplines such as hunt seat, western, dressage, or eventing. These athletes balance academic responsibilities with rigorous training schedules and competitions, representing their colleges or universities in intercollegiate equestrian associations. College equestrian programs may offer scholarships and opportunities to compete at regional and national levels, fostering both athletic and personal growth.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a college equestrian?

To thrive as a College Equestrian, you need advanced riding skills, knowledge of horse care, and often prior competitive experience in equestrian sports. Familiarity with equestrian equipment, video analysis software, and understanding of competition rules and safety certifications are commonly expected. Strong discipline, time management, teamwork, and resilience are crucial soft skills for balancing academics and athletic commitments. These skills ensure both academic success and competitive performance, supporting personal growth and team achievements in a demanding collegiate environment.

What are common challenges faced by college equestrians balancing academics and riding commitments?

College equestrians often juggle rigorous training schedules, competitions, and travel with their academic responsibilities. Time management is crucial, as practices and horse care can require early mornings or late evenings. Many student-athletes rely on planners, proactive communication with professors, and support from teammates to stay on top of assignments and maintain good grades. Building a strong relationship with coaches and academic advisors can help ensure flexibility and success in both areas.

What is the difference between College Equestrian vs Equestrian Coach?

AspectCollege EquestrianEquestrian Coach
Required CredentialsTypically none or basic riding certificationsRiding certifications, coaching licenses, or experience
Work EnvironmentCollege campuses, equestrian teams, competitionsStables, riding schools, private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, collegiate teamsPrivate stables, riding academies, individual clients

College Equestrians focus on competing and training as student-athletes within a college setting, often balancing academics and riding. Equestrian Coaches train and instruct riders of various skill levels, working in stables or riding schools. While both roles involve riding skills, College Equestrians are primarily athletes, whereas Equestrian Coaches are instructors and trainers.

How to become a college equestrian?

To become a college equestrian, you should develop riding skills through lessons and competitions, and seek opportunities to join college equestrian teams or clubs. Maintaining good academic standing and demonstrating commitment to equestrian activities can improve your chances of being recruited or accepted into a college program with an equestrian focus.

What is the best college for equestrians?

The best colleges for equestrians typically have strong equine programs, extensive riding facilities, and opportunities for competition and internships. Notable schools include the University of Findlay, Texas A&M University, and Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre, which offer specialized equine studies and riding disciplines. Prospective students should consider program accreditation, faculty expertise, and available equestrian resources when choosing a college for equestrian careers.

What jobs do most college equestrians have?

Most college equestrians work as stable hands, riding instructors, or barn managers, often gaining experience in horse care, training, and management. These roles typically require knowledge of equine health, riding skills, and sometimes certifications like CPR or first aid, with schedules often aligned with academic commitments and horse care needs.

What are popular job titles related to College Equestrian jobs in Springfield, MA?

For College Equestrian jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching College Equestrian jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for College Equestrian jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for College Equestrian jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most College Equestrian job openings:

Infographic showing various College Equestrian job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Stable Assistant

Mtholyoke

South Hadley, MA • On-site

$21.87/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job no:

R-0000003243

Position Title:

Stable Assistant

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Part time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$21.87

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

10/05/2026

Job Description:

The Stable Assistant supports the daily operations of the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center by providing high-quality care for horses and maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the stables. This role is essential in fostering a welcoming and professional environment for students, boarders, and visitors, while ensuring the health and well-being of the college's equine partners.

Schedule:

Wednesday: 10AM-6PM

Saturday: 10AM-6PM

Sunday: 10AM-6PM

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Essential Worker (all weather and holidays)

  • Provide hay and fresh water to horses

  • Feed horses according to individualized grain cards and administer supplements

  • Track supplement inventory and notify boarders or stable manager when supplies are low

  • Turn out and bring in horses on a rotational schedule

  • Clean and maintain horse stalls (10-13 daily, with occasional additional needs)

  • Sweep aisles, remove debris, and maintain a tidy appearance throughout the barn

  • Clean and maintain wash stalls, drains, and water tubs

  • Remove trash and replace bags

  • Conduct regular cobwebbing and dusting

  • Move and organize feed, hay, and bedding as needed

  • Muck paddocks and rake hay or leaves from surrounding areas

  • Operate barn equipment such as tractors and manure wagons

  • Assist with regular maintenance projects and seasonal preparations

  • Examples: dragging arenas, raking walkways, dusting knee-walls, and prepping for returning boarders

  • Work collaboratively with other barn staff to ensure smooth daily operations

  • Read the Stable log and check the Daily staff schedule before every shift

  • Communicate regularly with the associate director regarding horse care and facility needs

Required Qualifications:

  • Previous horse handling, husbandry, and general farm experience. Must be able to work both independently as well as on a team.

  • Ability to operate and learn google sheets and forms.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience operating a tractor and farm equipment.

  • Experience with dragging an arena and general arena maintenance.

  • Equine first aid and emergency knowledge.

  • Experience working at an equine boarding facility

  • Experience working in a lesson barn.

Hiring Range: $21.87 - $24.05

What We Offer:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Disability and Leave Benefits

  • Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)

  • Generous Paid Time Off

  • Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online; application materials must include:

  • Acover lettersummarizing interests and qualifications

  • A completeresumeor curriculum vitae

  • For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.