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Equestrian Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Equestrian Center Wrangler , you'll lead guests on trail and pony rides while providing daily ... Serve First -- Provide guests with a warm welcome and a safe, memorable riding experience. Assist ...

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Equestrian Assistant information

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$9

$18

$26

How much do equestrian assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for equestrian assistant in the United States is $18.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Equestrian Assistants?

Equestrian Assistants are individuals who support the daily care and management of horses in stables, riding schools, or equestrian centers. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health of horses, as well as cleaning stables and maintaining equipment. Equestrian Assistants may also help with basic training, tack preparation, and assisting riders. This role is essential for the smooth operation of any equestrian facility, ensuring the well-being of the horses and assisting trainers or riders as needed.

What is the difference between Equestrian Assistant vs Horse Groomer?

AspectEquestrian AssistantHorse Groomer
CredentialsMay require riding experience, certifications in equine careTypically no formal certification required, but experience preferred
Work EnvironmentStables, riding arenas, equestrian centersStables, grooming areas, farms
Employer & IndustryEquestrian facilities, riding schools, competitionsStables, farms, riding centers
Job FocusAssisting riders, managing equipment, supporting riding activitiesCleaning, grooming, caring for horses

Equestrian Assistants and Horse Groomers both work in equine environments, but Equestrian Assistants often support riding activities and may require riding skills or certifications. Horse Groomers focus primarily on cleaning and caring for horses without necessarily needing riding experience. Both roles are essential in equestrian settings, but their responsibilities and credentials differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equestrian Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equestrian Assistant, you need practical experience with horse care, basic riding skills, and knowledge of equine health and safety, often supported by relevant courses or certifications in horsemanship. Familiarity with stable management tools, feeding schedules, and sometimes equine first aid is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and reliability are standout soft skills for supporting trainers and ensuring animal welfare. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient barn operations and promoting the well-being of both horses and staff.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Equestrian Assistant, and how can they be managed?

Equestrian Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable horse behavior, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and balancing multiple tasks like stable maintenance, grooming, and assisting trainers. Building strong observation skills and patience helps in handling horses safely, while effective time management ensures all routine duties are completed efficiently. Communicating openly with trainers and other staff also supports smooth teamwork and helps address any concerns promptly.
More about Equestrian Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Equestrian Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Equestrian Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equestrian jobs? The most popular types of Equestrian jobs are:
What states have the most Equestrian Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Equestrian Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equestrian Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equestrian Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Equestrian Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,670 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Conference and Retreat Staff - Equestrian

Conference and Retreat Staff - Equestrian

YMCA

Trinity, TX

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,982 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

506th of 710 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Position Summary:

Cares for and prepares horses for retreat group riding activities. Retreat activitiesmainly occuron weekends, although some weekday availability is preferred for occasional weekday retreats and horse care. Maintains safe conditions around the barn, ridingarenas,trails,and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes guest safety and engagement. Provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on youth development including the YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.

Essential Functions:

1.Delivers a safe,funand effective equestrian program. Maintains current knowledge of all emergency procedurespertaining to horseback activities.

2.Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for equestrian activities.

3.Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related tomedical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.

4.Takes immediate action to ensure safety procedures are followed by guests.Followsup with equestrian director todeterminelong term solutions/actions,providestimelyandaccuratereports and follow-ups.

5.Responsible for completing daily tasks related to the physical operation of equestrian facilities,equipmentand horses. Works with the team toset upthe equestrian area prior to retreat activities. This includes the completion of feeding, supplementation, health care tasks, equipment set-up, and preparation of horses for work, as directed by the equestrian director.

6.Observesall horses closely for behavioral changes and signs of illness or pain.Notesanyadditionalimmediate treatments provided to horses andreports onany health or behavioral issues that arise.

7.Participatesin the completion of closing procedures following retreat activities.

8.Carries out care of the camp's horses including feeding, watering, cleaning pens, putting out hay, performing health care tasks, administering medications and supplements under the direction of the equestrian director.

9.Conducts check of equestrian facilities and equipment for safety, cleanliness,organizationand good repair. Completes general cleaning, organization and maintenance of facilities and equipment. Notifies equestrian director of needed facility and equipment repairs.

10.Ensures the availability of water and sunscreenatequestrian areas.

11.Submitsrequests in advance foradditionalequipment and supplies when needed.

12.Evaluates horses asrequested, provides feedback, and performs training and behavior modification as instructed.

13.Maintainsconstant surveillance of the horses and barn areas when guests or non-equestrian staff are present.

14.Participates enthusiastically with other program staff to preparecamp for retreat groups under the direction of the conference& retreatsdirector.

15.Participatesenthusiastically in program staff and equestrian staff meetings and trainings.

16.Maintainspositive relations with guests and other staff. Conveys information on programs and schedules to guests.

17.Attends camp marketing events and otherspecial events as directed and other duties allow.

18.Representsand promotes the YMCA in the local community and develops positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and governmental entities.

19.Develops andmaintains collaborative relationships with community agencies in service delivery area.

20.Report suspicious and inappropriatebehaviors and policy violations.

21.Follows mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.

22.Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance.Examples include but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.

23.All other duties assigned.

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts anddemonstratesthe Y'svalues. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruitsvolunteersand builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supportsfund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people ofdifferent backgrounds, abilities, opinions, andperceptions.Buildsrapport andrelateswell to others.Seeksfirst to understand the other person's point of view andremainscalm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative toassistin developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embracesnew approachesand discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and activelyparticipatesin meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures andreportsall financial irregularitiesimmediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings,strengthsand limitations and how theyimpactrelationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skillsrequiredto perform well; uses best practices anddemonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Language Skills

Ability to read, interpret,retain, and teach documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure/educational manuals. Ability towriteroutine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of children, parents, staff, members of the YMCA, and/or others, as well as in one-on-one situations.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and dividein all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense, understanding, and sound mature judgment to carry out instructionsfurnishedin written, oral, or diagram form, including assisting with curriculum learning. Ability to deal with problems involvingseveral concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability tomaintainconfidentiality. Ability to be sensitive and alert to the needs, feelings, and safety of others.Ability to ensure children's safety and maintain YMCA, ACA and state standards and guidelines at all times.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employeeis regularly required tostand, walk,talkand hear. The employeefrequentlyis required touse hands to handle, and/or feel objects, tools, and/or controls; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. The employee isfrequentlyrequired to reach withhands and arms and tasteand smell. The employee mustfrequentlymove and/orlift upto 50 pounds and move up to 100 pounds such as furniture, supplies, equipment, children, etc. Possess adequate vision and hearing to safelymonitorequestrian environment and participants. The employee mustpossessthe ability to react to emergency situations by loud vocalization, quick movements, strenuous activity, and on occasionassistor lift persons in distress of varying weights. Required to remain alert to dangerous situations while sitting, standing, or walking for various lengths of time.

Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations, examinations, and/or immunization as required by the local or State Department of Health.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularlyworks inoutside weather conditions. Nonsmoking, drug- and alcohol-free work environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic, or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, and/or blood. The employee regularly is exposed to bodily excretions of children, depending on the developmental level of children in the employee's care. The job is working for a YMCA Resident Camp Programlocatedat YMCA Camp Cullen in Trinity, TX.

Qualifications:

1.Prefer 2 years of experience riding horses in any discipline.

2. Prefer 1 year of experience caring for horses in a professional or educational setting.

3.CPR, First aid and O2 certifications and Child Abuse Prevention trainingwithin30 daysofhiredate.

4. Prefer knowledge of, andprevious experience with, diverse populations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.


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