ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Horse Ranch Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pomponio Ranch

Rider/FEI Groom

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW Pomponio Ranch is seeking a Rider/ FEI Groom to support our show jumping program. This is a role designed for someone who can independently ride, manage, and prepare horses at a ...

All JobsHorse Ranch JobsHorse Ranch Jobs in Poway, CA

Horse Ranch information

See Poway, CA salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do horse ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse ranch in Poway, CA is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horse ranch?

A horse ranch is a property or facility dedicated to the breeding, raising, training, and sometimes boarding of horses. Horse ranches can vary in size and may specialize in different activities such as horse breeding, riding lessons, trail rides, or training for competitions. Staff at a horse ranch typically care for the horses' daily needs, maintain facilities, and manage ranch operations. Horse ranches are often located in rural areas and may also host events or offer recreational programs for visitors.

What are different types of jobs at a horse ranch?

Jobs at a horse ranch focus on maintenance, operations, and care for horses. The duties of ranchers or managers involve overseeing operations. A groom works to care for the resident horses, while a trainer works to train the horses for riding, racing, equestrian events, or to maintain general health and fitness. Stable workers or ranch hands clean the barn, help care for horses, and perform miscellaneous tasks. Boarding facilities may have sales or marketing staff. A large ranch may also employ a breeder and veterinarian.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horse ranch worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Ranch Worker, you need hands-on experience with horse care, knowledge of animal husbandry, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ranch equipment, basic veterinary tools, and sometimes certifications in equine management or first aid are valuable. Strong communication, physical stamina, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare set outstanding workers apart. These skills are essential for ensuring the health and safety of the horses and the smooth, efficient operation of the ranch.

What are some common challenges faced when working on a horse ranch, and how can I prepare for them?

Working on a horse ranch often requires adapting to physically demanding tasks, variable weather conditions, and long or irregular hours, especially during peak seasons. You'll frequently be responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising horses, and maintaining facilities, all of which require attention to detail and safety. Developing strong communication skills will help you collaborate effectively with other ranch staff, veterinarians, and trainers. To prepare, consider building physical endurance, learning basic equine care, and gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or internships to better understand the work environment.

What is the difference between Horse Ranch vs Horse Trainer?

AspectHorse RanchHorse Trainer
Required CredentialsExperience with horse care, sometimes certifications in equine managementEquine training certifications, riding experience
Work EnvironmentRanches, farms, outdoor settingsTraining facilities, stables, outdoor arenas
Employer & Industry UsageEquine farms, ranches, breeding operationsTraining centers, riding schools, equine facilities

While both roles involve working with horses, a Horse Ranch focuses on overall horse care, management, and farm operations, whereas a Horse Trainer specializes in training horses for riding, competitions, or specific disciplines. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specialization.

More about Horse Ranch jobs

What job categories do people searching Horse Ranch jobs in Poway, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Horse Ranch jobs in Poway, CA are:

What cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Horse Ranch jobs?

Cities near Poway, CA with the most Horse Ranch job openings:

Horse Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Ranch job openings in Poway, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,004 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Rider/FEI Groom

Pomponio Ranch

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW 


Pomponio Ranch is seeking a Rider/ FEI Groom to support our show jumping program. This is a role designed for someone who can independently ride, manage, and prepare horses at a high level, while also handling grooming responsibilities. 


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Exercise, flat, and condition horses at a high level in alignment with the program and lead rider’s instructions
  • Prepare horses for training sessions and competition, including warm-up rides and light schooling as directed
  • Execute rehabilitation and conditioning rides as prescribed by the veterinarian and/or lead rider
  • Maintain consistency in each horse’s program both at home and while traveling
  • Communicate clearly with the lead rider on horse performance, behavior, soundness, and readiness
  • Perform all FEI-level grooming duties independently, both at home and while traveling
  • Tacking, untacking, bathing, clipping, braiding, and overall presentation of horses
  • Oversee daily horse care including feeding, basic health monitoring, and turnout coordination
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of tack, equipment, and horse areas
  • Travel domestically and internationally (including Europe) as the sole person responsible for assigned horses
  • Ensure horses are properly prepared, managed, and show-ready throughout the competition cycle
  • Support veterinary and farrier visits, including follow-through on care plan


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 5 years of FEI experience
  • Must be able to travel 30-45 weeks of the year. 
  • Proven experience riding and exercising show jumping horses 
  • Ability to manage multiple horses independently, both at home and while traveling
  • Strong horsemanship and attention to detail in both riding and care
  • Comfortable working independently while also collaborating with a high-performance team


Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Housing, 401k, PTO.