1

Equestrian Job Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equestrian Director

Claryville, NY · On-site

$62K - $63K/yr

The Equestrian Director serves as the Head of the Equestrian Department, providing strategic leadership for equestrian operations, staff teams, herd management systems, and program growth across ...

Description The Equestrian Director serves as the Head of the Equestrian Department, providing strategic leadership for equestrian operations, staff teams, herd management systems, and program growth ...

Equestrian Director

Claryville, NY · On-site

$62K - $63K/yr

The Equestrian Director serves as the Head of the Equestrian Department, providing strategic leadership for equestrian operations, staff teams, herd management systems, and program growth across ...

Responsible for equine care and services, upkeep and maintenance of the equestrian center. Ensures all programs and services are fulfilled in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Equestrian Job information

See salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do equestrian job jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for equestrian job in the United States is $15.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Equestrian Job vs Horse Trainer?

AspectEquestrian JobHorse Trainer
Required CredentialsEquestrian certifications, riding experienceHorse training certifications, riding skills
Work EnvironmentStables, riding arenas, equestrian centersTraining facilities, stables, riding schools
Employer & Industry UsageEquestrian centers, riding schools, competitionsPrivate farms, riding academies, equestrian facilities

Both roles involve working closely with horses and require riding skills and certifications. An equestrian job generally encompasses a broader range of activities such as riding, grooming, and caring for horses, often in competitive or recreational settings. A horse trainer specifically focuses on training horses to improve behavior, performance, or obedience. While overlapping, the equestrian job is more diverse, whereas the horse trainer specializes in training techniques.

What is the most paid equine job?

The most highly paid equine job is typically that of a professional horse trainer or riding instructor at the elite level, especially those working with high-value or competitive horses. Equine veterinarians specializing in sports medicine or surgery also earn high salaries, often exceeding six figures with advanced certifications and experience.

What jobs can you do with equines?

Equestrian jobs include riding instructor, stable worker, groom, trainer, and barn manager. These roles involve caring for horses, training, riding instruction, and maintaining facilities, often requiring knowledge of horse behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications. Many of these jobs are found at stables, riding schools, or equestrian centers and may require physical stamina and attention to detail.

What jobs can you get in the equestrian field?

In the equestrian field, common jobs include riding instructor, stable hand, groom, trainer, barn manager, and equine veterinarian. These roles often require knowledge of horse care, riding skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, depending on the position. Opportunities exist in riding schools, racing stables, therapeutic riding centers, and private farms.

What jobs do most equestrians have?

Most equestrians work as riding instructors, stable managers, groomers, trainers, or barn workers. These roles involve caring for horses, teaching riding skills, and maintaining equestrian facilities, often requiring knowledge of horse care and riding techniques.
More about Equestrian Job jobs
What cities are hiring for Equestrian Job jobs? Cities with the most Equestrian Job job openings:
What states have the most Equestrian Job jobs? States with the most job openings for Equestrian Job jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equestrian Job jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equestrian Job jobs are:
Infographic showing various Equestrian Job job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,589 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Equestrian Director

Equestrian Director

Frost Valley YMCA

Claryville, NY • On-site

$62K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Equestrian Director serves as the Head of the Equestrian Department, providing strategic leadership for equestrian operations, staff teams, herd management systems, and program growth across Frost Valley's equestrian facilities. This role is responsible for setting direction, building systems, leading people, and executing a long-term vision for a dynamic and evolving equestrian program. While executing some aspects of a traditional barn manage, the Equestrian Director focuses on decision-making, structure, staff leadership, and program development, ensuring that day-to-day operations are carried out effectively by trained staff teams. The Director oversees a year round herd that grows during summer months of approximately 20-90 horses, equestrian facilities, and a multidisciplinary staff team, while actively identifying opportunities to expand offerings, strengthen community connections, and position the program as a regional equestrian resource. This role is ideal for a driven, forward-thinking equestrian professional who is excited by growth, innovation, and leadership, and who wants the opportunity to build, evolve, and expand a department.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
Department Leadership & Vision
  • Serve as the Head of the Equestrian Department, setting strategic direction and priorities for herd management, staffing, facilities, and programming
  • Develop and execute a clear vision for the growth and evolution of equestrian programs, balancing safety, sustainability, and innovation
  • Establish and refine systems that support efficient operations, consistent decision-making, and high-quality outcomes
  • Represent the equestrian department internally and externally, building trust and visibility across the organization and community

Herd Management & Equine Systems
  • Provide oversight (occasionally daily execution) of herd management for a year round population 20 horses; seasonal population 90 horses
  • Design and maintain systems for veterinary care, farrier schedules, conditioning, turnout, feeding coordination, and seasonal transitions
  • Make strategic decisions regarding horse use, placement, acquisition, retirement, sale, or reassignment based on temperament, training, and welfare
  • Ensure accurate recordkeeping related to horse health, workload, training status, and utilization
  • Staff Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, supervise, and develop a team of year-round and seasonal equestrian staff, including barn managers, instructors, and weekend staff
  • Set clear expectations, roles, and accountability structures so staff can effectively manage daily operations
  • Focus on coaching, professional growth, and performance management rather than routine task completion
  • Foster a strong, safety-centered, and inclusive team culture rooted in communication, trust, and shared responsibility

Program Growth, Innovation & Community Engagement
  • Identify and develop new equestrian opportunities that expand access, participation, and impact, including but not limited to:
  • Hosting outside clinics and specialty workshops
  • Developing trail riding programs for varied experience levels
  • Offering community lesson programs
  • Launching student or entry-level horse shows
  • Creating corporate or group team-building experiences involving horses
  • Build and maintain relationships with local trainers, equestrians, schools, and organizations
  • Position the equestrian program as a community-facing asset and regional destination

Facilities, Risk & Operational Oversight
  • Provide strategic oversight of barns, pastures, fencing, equipment, and equestrian facilities
  • Coordinate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure facilities meet safety, welfare, and industry standards
  • Ensure compliance with applicable equestrian and safety standards (CHA, ACA, DOH, etc.)
  • Proactively manage risk related to horses, facilities, staff practices, and participant engagement
  • Financial & Strategic Planning
  • Develop and manage the equestrian department budget, with attention to sustainability and growth
  • Identify opportunities for revenue generation and program expansion
  • Contribute to long-term planning for facilities, herd sustainability, and program development

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Equine Studies, Animal Science, Education, Recreation, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
  • 3-5+ years of progressive leadership experience in the equestrian industry, including herd management and staff supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build systems, and manage complex operations
  • Experience developing or expanding equestrian programs beyond traditional instruction
  • Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills
  • Certification from a nationally recognized equestrian organization (CHA or equivalent) preferred
  • First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements

WHY THIS ROLE:
This position offers the opportunity to shape and grow a full equestrian department, lead people rather than just tasks, and bring innovative ideas to life. The Equestrian Director will have meaningful influence, creative freedom, and the chance to build something lasting.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and walk up to 10 miles a day
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PAY RANGE: $62,353.00-$63,500.00 annually plus generous benefits onsite housing with the option of bringing a personal horse
Anticipated start date: Mid/Late August.
Salary Description
$62,353.00-$63,500.00