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Equine Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rite of Passage

Part Time Equine Assistant

Lignum, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Rite of Passage Team is hiring for an Equine Assistant at Childhelp, Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Virginia Childhelp is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that specializes in the ...

Catapult

Equine Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

Promotes teamwork and collaboration among CORRAL instructors * Assist volunteer instructors with horse and rider challenges and concerns * Provides training for Equine Volunteers * Coaches volunteers ...

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How much do equine assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine assistant in the United States is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a horse helper make?

A horse helper, often called an equine assistant, typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and responsibilities. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Compensation may also include tips or room and board in some settings.

What does an equine assistant do?

An equine assistant helps care for horses by feeding, grooming, and exercising them. They may also assist with stable maintenance, monitor horse health, and support trainers during riding lessons or training sessions. Basic knowledge of equine behavior and safety procedures is essential for this role.

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

To thrive as an Equine Assistant, you need experience in basic horse care, handling, and stable management, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as grooming equipment, tack, and basic equine health monitoring systems is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working with both horses and team members. These skills are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses, maintain efficient operations, and foster positive interactions within the equine facility.

What are Equine Assistants?

Equine Assistants are professionals who provide care and support to horses under the supervision of veterinarians, trainers, or stable managers. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health of horses. They may also assist with cleaning stalls, administering basic medical treatments, and handling horses during examinations or procedures. Equine Assistants play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of horses and ensuring the smooth operation of equine facilities.

What are some common challenges Equine Assistants face when working with horses in a busy facility?

Equine Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling horses with varying temperaments, managing multiple responsibilities like grooming, feeding, and cleaning stalls, and ensuring the safety of both animals and people. In a busy facility, time management and prioritization are crucial, as assistants must balance routine care with unexpected situations like medical emergencies. Effective communication with veterinarians, trainers, and other staff is essential to provide the best care for the horses and maintain smooth operations.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For an Equine Assistant, earning $3,000 a month typically requires full-time work, experience, and sometimes certifications in animal care or equine management. Similar roles in the animal care or outdoor maintenance fields, such as pet groomers or landscape workers, can also reach this income level with consistent hours and skill development.

What is the 20% rule with horses?

The 20% rule in equine care suggests that a horse's diet should consist of no more than 20% concentrates, such as grains, with the rest being forage like hay or pasture. For equine assistants, understanding proper feeding ratios helps maintain horse health and prevent issues like obesity or colic.
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What cities are hiring for Equine Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Equine Assistant job openings:
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Equine Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equine 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 $35,841 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Part Time Equine Assistant

Part Time Equine Assistant

Rite of Passage

Lignum, VA

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Rite Of Passage rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 236 rated social care providers

Job description

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of at-risk youth!  Rite of Passage Team is hiring for an Equine Assistant at Childhelp, Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Virginia

 Childhelp is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of children aged 5-14 with mild to severe trauma or neglect, psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Our unique location on a 270-acre farm provides a nurturing treatment setting with a variety of therapy resources.  We bring the light of love and healing into the lives of countless abused and neglected children, and those suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders.  We take a holistic approach to serving our children along with meeting their physical, emotional and educational needs. Becoming a member of our Childhelp team is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a mission driven organization.

Pay: $18-$23 per hour, based on education and experience. 

Perks & Benefits: 401k match of up to 6% after 1 year of employment, free meals on shift, professional development assistance and more! ROP-benefits-and-perks-2

What you will do: Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed.  Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth!  Our dedicated team cares for the horses, facility and supports our therapist in an Equine assisted mental health program serving our resident children.

Responsible for performing routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning, providing assistance with care of the horses including feeding, turn arounds, grooming, basic first-aid, medication administration and more.

To be considered you should: Be at least 19 years of age ~ Possess a high school diploma or equivalent ~ Have a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record for the past 3 years~ Minimum of one (1) year of full-time experience working with horses ~ Must have previous equine experience and the ability to safely handle horses independently ~ Knowledge of basic equine first aid/wellness and care  ~  Expereince in EAP/Equine assisted mental health services, animal assisted mental health services, or adaptive/therapeutic riding ~Ability to assist in safely leading equine activities with at risk children  ~ Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test. This is a tobacco free facility.

Preferred qualifications for higher end of pay range: 

  • Knowledge of ranch equipment, machine operation and ability to drive manual tractor
  • Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university and one to two years related professional equine experience and/or training preferably in an equine therapeutic setting
  • Current CHA, PATH, or EAGALA certifications 
  • Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding 
  • Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds
  • Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a residential treatment facility for children ages 5 – 14 years

Schedule: This will be a scheduled part time role, working 28 hours per week. This position will work 8am-6pm Every Saturday or Sunday.  Need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, and rotating holidays. Other shifts will vary but hours will be between 1pm-7pm several days per week.  

Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth!

After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As an Equine Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.

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About Rite of Passage

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite of Passage is a Nevada‑based nonprofit youth services provider founded in 1984 and headquartered in Minden, NV. It operates a national continuum of evidence‑based, trauma‑responsive programs‑including residential treatment centers, day schools, therapeutic foster care, prevention and reunification services, charter/day school education, and mentoring‑based family preservation initiatives‑serving around 2,000 youth daily across 15 states. As of 2025, the organization is led by co‑founder and CEO Ski James Broman and holds CARF Three‑Year Accreditation, affirming its program quality and compliance with national standards.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minden, NV, US

Year founded

1984

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