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Equine Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equine Care Specialist

MO · On-site

$16/hr

Long Meadow Rescue Ranch is seeking a dedicated and responsible Equine Care Specialist to join our team and contribute to the care and well-being of our rescued horses and other animals. If you are ...

Haul-in facilities with a hydraulic chute and equine stocks * Large animal ultrasound capabilities ... We also have close working relationships with rescue organizations, Mizzou, and local emergency ...

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Equine Rescue information

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$27

How much do equine rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine rescue in the United States is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Equine Rescue, and why are they important?

To excel in Equine Rescue, you need strong knowledge of horse care, animal handling, and basic veterinary skills, often backed by experience working with equines or relevant certifications. Familiarity with animal welfare regulations, equine first aid, and tools like transport equipment and record-keeping systems is essential. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills are crucial for working with traumatized animals and collaborating with volunteers or other organizations. These abilities ensure the well-being of rescued horses, support their rehabilitation, and contribute to effective team operations in challenging situations.

What is the difference between Equine Rescue vs Equine Veterinarian?

AspectEquine RescueEquine Veterinarian
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, rescue training, certifications in animal handlingDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, specialized equine training
Work EnvironmentRescue facilities, outdoor fields, sheltersVeterinary clinics, hospitals, farms
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit rescue organizations, animal sheltersVeterinary clinics, private practices, equine hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentRescue efforts, animal welfare, rehabilitationMedical care, diagnosis, treatment of horses

Equine Rescue focuses on saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need, often working in outdoor and shelter environments. Equine Veterinarians provide medical diagnosis and treatment for horses, working primarily in clinics or hospitals. Both roles are essential in the equine industry but serve different functions and require distinct credentials.

What is equine rescue?

Equine rescue refers to the process of saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, ponies, donkeys, and other equines that have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or are at risk. Organizations and individuals involved in equine rescue provide shelter, medical care, and training to help these animals recover and find safe, permanent homes. The work often involves collaboration with law enforcement, veterinarians, and volunteers to ensure the well-being of rescued equines.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in equine rescue, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in equine rescue often encounter challenges such as caring for horses with significant health or behavioral issues, limited funding, and emotional stress from handling neglected animals. Addressing these challenges typically involves working closely with veterinarians and trainers to rehabilitate horses, collaborating with other team members and volunteers, and participating in fundraising and outreach efforts. Many organizations also provide training and mental health support to staff to help manage compassion fatigue and ensure a supportive work environment.
More about Equine Rescue jobs
What job categories do people searching Equine Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equine Rescue jobs are:
Infographic showing various Equine Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,015 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Equine Manager

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary of Purpose:

Manage and lead daily aspects of horse care, treatment, training and outcomes. Assist in representing KHS publicly through PR, social media, partnerships and community relations.

Duties (Essential Functions):

Management of the Equine Program

  • Manage and oversee daily care, treatment, and training of animals in care.
  • Administer medications and treatments to ill/injured animals under direction from a veterinarian; train equine care team to administer medications and treatments as appropriate.
  • Schedule and assist with Veterinarian and Farrier appointments; ensure follow-up care protocols are followed by equine care team.
  • Participate in rescue/field work for Equine CARE team as needed; lead team as needed in rescue efforts.
  • Manage and oversee transport of horses to and from Willow Hope Farm.
  • Ensure protocols are followed for equine intake, data collection, medical procedures, training assessments, and adoption; provide feedback on capacity for care and number of equines house at Willow Hope Farm.
  • Coordinate placement of equines into adoptive homes, foster homes, and rescue groups and provide follow-up support.
  • Train staff and volunteers at Willow Hope Farm in rescue situations.
  • Collaborate with Equine Director to create content for marketing and social media for Equine CARE.
  • Assist in euthanasia decisions and procedures as needed.

Organizational Management

  • Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for best practices in equine welfare and maintain industry standards.
  • Ensure that the department operates according to legal, regulatory, safety, and security compliance.
  • Work within guidelines of annual budget and in compliance with KHS strategic plan as it relates to equine services.

Relationship Management

  • Collaborate with the Equine Director and Willow Hope Farm Manager to maintain communications with partner agencies, industry contacts, and the horse community.
  • Participate as needed in the strategic planning process for equine services.
  • Participate in and represent KHS at events promoting proactive solutions and the Equine CARE program.
  • Communicate with Equine Director regarding unusual activities, significant problems or concerns.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:
  • 1+ years of management or supervisory experience preferred.
  • 3+ years experience working with horses of unknown health and behavior preferred.
  • Ability to load, haul and handle horses for transport.
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of equine health, medical needs, and treatment.
  • Intermediate computer skills with the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Self-directed with the ability to work independently/meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with little direct supervision.
  • Ability to envision long-range goals and apply them to daily operations.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people of all backgrounds and personalities.
  • Humane attitude towards animals.
  • Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life service and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances.
  • Accept, support, and represent KHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record and be willing to drive KHS vehicles.
  • Ability to work a schedule inclusive of one weekend day.
  • Background Check required.

Physical, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Demands/ Working Environment

  • Individual will have periods of sitting, communicating, and listening.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing regularly while performing job functions.
  • Occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 lbs.
  • Working in an indoor desk environment and working with animals in a farm setting or events (indoor/outdoor) in varying weather conditions.
  • Frequent travel outside of Louisville/Simpsonville.
  • Potential for exposure to allergens (including but not limited to pet dander, dust, peanut butter), and zoonotic diseases (diseases transferred from animals to humans).
  • Exposure to chemicals.
  • Exposure to loud noise.
  • Exposure to emotional circumstances.
  • Fast-paced environment.