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Horse Ranch Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Horse Ranch Manager information

See Kentucky salary details

$21.3K

$47.1K

$80.8K

How much do horse ranch manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for horse ranch manager in Kentucky is $47,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,700.00 and $58,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Horse Ranch Manager position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Horse Ranch Manager, a solid background in equine care, ranch operations, and business management is crucial, often paired with experience in agriculture or animal husbandry. Familiarity with stable management software, budgeting tools, and relevant safety or animal care certifications is highly beneficial. Strong leadership, effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and a hands-on approach set outstanding managers apart in this role. These skills ensure the well-being of horses, smooth ranch operations, and a motivated, productive team.

What are some common challenges Horse Ranch Managers face, and how do they typically handle them?

Horse Ranch Managers often face challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equine health emergencies, and maintaining the balance between animal welfare and budget constraints. They typically address these issues by developing detailed contingency plans, staying updated on best practices in horse care, and fostering open communication with staff and veterinarians. Flexibility and quick decision-making are essential, as managers must respond rapidly to emergencies or changes in routine. Many find that effective delegation and ongoing staff training help mitigate operational challenges and ensure the ranch runs smoothly.

What is a Horse Ranch Manager job?

A Horse Ranch Manager oversees the daily operations of a horse ranch, ensuring the care and well-being of the horses, managing staff, and maintaining ranch facilities. They handle feeding schedules, medical care, breeding programs, and training activities. Additionally, they may manage budgets, order supplies, and coordinate events or riding programs. The role requires strong leadership, equine knowledge, and organizational skills to keep the ranch running efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Ranch jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Horse Ranch jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Ranch Manager jobs in Kentucky? For Horse Ranch Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Ranch Manager jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Ranch Manager jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Horse Ranch Manager job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,140 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Ranch Program Director-Camp Ernst YMCA

Ranch Program Director-Camp Ernst YMCA

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

Burlington, KY • On-site

$46K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description
The Ranch Program Director will direct the year-round ranch program and staff at YMCA Camp Ernst. This position will oversee related facilities, horses and equipment and participate in the planning and implementation of all related camp ranch and equine programming.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment including proper manure, pasture, footing, fence line and trail maintenance. Collaborate with facilities to develop and maintain ranch property and design/plan improvements.
  • Direct, manage, and conduct horsemanship lesson and weekend ranch programs including marketing, enrollment, scheduling, training instructors, accounts receivable, supervising curriculum and staffing.
  • Manages and participates with the overall care of the horses including grooming, feeding and watering, as well as Ferrier and communication with veterinarian for medical care, and safe rendering when required. Maintains necessary documents for each horse.
  • Creates, develops and implements progressive programming (including methods to provide services to the general public) to include whole horsemanship (ground lessons, arena lessons, trail rides).
  • Lead the camp's response to ranch camper and staff situations, coaching counseling staff where necessary and involving Executive Director where necessary.
  • Supervise all aspects of ranch day camp, including camp logistics, scheduling, staff supervision, program coordination, curriculum, waitlist and group management, accounts receivable, program supplies, and budget.
  • Work closely with the other program directors to effectively and efficiently run a quality overnight and day camp summer program and year-round riding experiences for guests.
  • Creates and maintains a child-centered horse stable with a positive atmosphere by nurturing program participants with an attitude that displays the Y's character qualities of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
  • Recruits, hires, schedules, trains, manages, supervises and evaluates ranch staff as well as volunteers for horse-related duties. Supervise performance of ranch camp staff and help with their transition to and participation in the program, including leadership development of teen staff.
  • Plans, executes, evaluates and continually refines year-round and summer Ranch programs for quality and program effectiveness. Ensures all program standards are met.
  • Collaborates with Camp Program Director to incorporate a horse experience for all campers/participants.
  • Secures and maintains quality ranch supplies and equipment (tack, helmets, buckets, etc.) for effective program operation. Regularly inspects equipment for safety hazards, damage or wear in order to repair or replace as needed.
  • Develops, implements and monitors department budget including staff wages, supplies, feed, veterinary care, etc. to ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the year. Maintains expenses in order to stay within budgetary restraints.
  • Interprets and supervises safety and health regulations according to the standards of the Certified Horsemanship Association. Enforces all safety rules and corrects any behavior of staff, campers and guests, which may be immediately dangerous to a person, the camp facility, equipment or livestock and reports problems to Executive Director.
  • Supervises volunteerism for the branch including acting as liaison to corporate groups, growing and developing volunteerism opportunities and programs, training, assigning, and recognizing volunteers throughout camp.
  • Maintains good communication and effective relationships with volunteers, parents of campers, vendors, boarders, current groups and guests.
  • Maintains ACA, YMCA and CHA standards and expectations for a quality program.
  • Leads marketing efforts for horse-related programming.
  • Coordinates management of all aspects of petting zoo including feed, cleanliness, etc.
  • Actively participates in annual campaign, in-kind, and capital donations including but not limited to special events, soliciting donations, cultivating and stewarding donors.
  • Networks and develops relationship with other regional equine operations including Northern KY Horse Network.
  • Supports rentals and other areas of camp.
  • This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as necessary or assigned/directed by management. Job description and duties may be modified.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of three (3) years' experience in supervision, coordination and implementation of equine programs.
  • Obtain and maintain CHA certification.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as, skills in administration, marketing, staff supervision and member/volunteer involvement.
  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks and be creative, motivated, self-starter with the ability to lead and motivate others.