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Exercising Horses Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Outrider

New Kent, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

Ensures that all persons exercising horses during training hours or accompanying horses to the starting gate remain compliant with racetrack policies. * Maintains constant radio contact with the ...

Liberty

Equestrian Operations Staff

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

... exercising, and turning out horses as needed. * Assist with Equestrian Center programming, including but not limited to recreational events, camps, lessons, and trail rides. * Responsible for ...

City of Richmond

Police Officer - Lateral

Richmond, VA · On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

... horse Making traffic stops and intervening in other criminal activity Conducting general field ... under stress; exercising discretion, good judgment, and good decision-making; working with a ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician (ACE)

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Medical Care- Animal observation and reporting on the health of animals, exercising judgment in ... horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, and sheep; previous experience in animal husbandry; knowledge of ...

City of Richmond, VA

Police Officer - Lateral

Richmond, VA · On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

... and horse * Making traffic stops and intervening in other criminal activity * Conducting general ... under stress; exercising discretion, good judgment, and good decision-making; working with a ...

City of Richmond

Police Officer 1 Recruit

Richmond, VA · On-site

$63K/yr

... horse Making traffic stops and intervening in other criminal activity Conducting general field ... under stress; exercising discretion, good judgment, and good decision-making; working with a ...

All JobsExercising Horses JobsExercising Horses Jobs in Virginia

Exercising Horses information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$13

$28

How much do exercising horses jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercising horses in Virginia is $13.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.82 and $14.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is exercising horses?

An Exercising Horses job involves working with horses to ensure they receive regular physical activity to maintain their fitness, health, and performance. This can include riding, lunging, or hand-walking horses under the guidance of trainers or owners. Exercise riders in racing or equestrian sports often follow specific training plans to prepare horses for competition. The job requires strong riding skills, knowledge of horse behavior, and physical stamina.

What does someone exercising horses do?

A typical day for someone exercising horses involves grooming and preparing horses for their workout, following specific exercise routines set by trainers, and ensuring each horse gets the right type and amount of physical activity. You may work with a variety of horses throughout the day, adjust routines based on each animal’s fitness and temperament, and collaborate closely with trainers, grooms, and sometimes veterinarians. The role often requires early hours and may be outdoors in varying weather conditions, but it offers the rewarding experience of directly contributing to horses’ health and training progress. Over time, you can develop specialized skills and may advance to positions such as assistant trainer or stable manager.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in exercising horses?

To thrive in Exercising Horses, you need strong horsemanship abilities, knowledge of horse behavior, and often prior experience working with horses in stable or training environments. Familiarity with tack and grooming equipment, and sometimes certifications in equine care or safety (such as a BHS qualification), are commonly valued. Reliability, patience, clear communication, and attention to detail are key soft skills for working with both horses and their handlers. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, while supporting the training objectives of stables, trainers, and owners.

How much do exercising horses make?

Exercising horses is typically a job for grooms, trainers, or stable workers rather than a standalone position with a salary. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and employer, but many earn hourly wages or salaries ranging from minimum wage to several thousand dollars annually for full-time work. Additional skills such as knowledge of horse care and riding can influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Exercising Horses jobs in Virginia?

For Exercising Horses jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exercising Horses jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercising Horses jobs in Virginia are:

Exercising Horses jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercising Horses job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,326 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Outrider

Churchill Downs Incorporated

New Kent, VA • On-site

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Escort starters to the starting post and assist in the return of horses to the unsaddling area.

  • Maintain control of unruly or loose horses during exercise, training, and racing activities.

  • Ensure safety and compliance of exercise personnel and horses on the racetrack while maintaining communication with track officials.

Job description

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie's Gaming Emporium, Rosie's Game Room, Virginia Horseplay, Roseshire Gaming Parlor and The Rose Gaming Resort. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

JOB SUMMARY

The Outrider escorts starters to the post, assists in the return of all horses to the unsaddling area, and maintains control of any horse which might cause injury to a jockey or others. This is a seasonal position for the summer race meet at Colonial Downs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides assistance to riders from start to finish of races.
  • Works on horseback to ensure the field arrives at the starting gate at the scheduled post time.
  • Remains present on the racetrack, mounted, and ready to assist in the control of any unruly horse or recapture any loose horse during exercise or training.
  • Ensures that all persons exercising horses during training hours or accompanying horses to the starting gate remain compliant with racetrack policies.
  • Maintains constant radio contact with the appropriate personnel while horses are on the track.
  • Ensures exercise personnel follow track safety rules and reports non-compliance as necessary.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and thorough with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to consistently comprehend, retain and execute written, verbal and demonstrated directions, explanations and guidance.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • One to three months related experience and/or training.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia racing license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
  • While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and vibration.
  • The Team Member is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, push, pull, list, reach, twist, and bend while enduring prolonged periods of standing and walking.
  • The Team Member may be required to list and/or move up to 25 lbs.
  • The Team Member may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke.

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

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

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