Horse Trainer Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The Stable Groom is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the horses, carriages, and facilities within the carriage operation at Colonial Williamsburg. This role ensures the health and well-being of our historic rare breed horses while supporting the safe and efficient operation of our 10-carriage fleet. The Stable Groom works closely with the Lead Groom, Barn Manager, Coach Drivers, and other team members to maintain a historically accurate and functional equine program that enhances the museum’s interpretive mission.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Horse Care & Management:

• Provide daily feeding, watering, and turnout for a herd of 25 horses, following established nutrition and health plans.
• Groom, tack, and harness horses in preparation for carriage operations, ensuring safety and historical accuracy.
• Monitor equine health, report concerns to the Barn Manager, and assist with veterinary and farrier visits.
• Administer basic first aid and medication as directed.  

Stable & Facility Maintenance:

• Muck stalls, clean paddocks, and maintain cleanliness of the barn, tack room, and storage areas.
• Maintain and clean tack, harnesses, and equipment, reporting any needed repairs.
• Assist with routine carriage cleaning and maintenance to ensure a professional appearance. Operational Support: Assist Coach Drivers with horse handling and preparation before and after carriage tours.
• Support team training efforts by handling and exercising horses as directed.
• Engage with guests by answering questions about the horses, carriages, and stable operations

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all safety protocols related to horse handling, carriage operations, and guest interaction. Ensure compliance with museum policies and equine welfare standards.
• Report any safety hazards or equipment concerns promptly.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications 

Required and Education and Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience in horse care)
• Hands-on experience working with horses, such as in a stable, farm, or equestrian facility
• Basic knowledge of horse handling, feeding, and health care Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Studies, or a related field Certifications in Equine Care & Handling, such as: Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certification Equine First Aid certification
• Previous experience in carriage driving operations, historic sites, or tourism-focused equine programs

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria. 

  • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment 
  • Must be at least 21 years of age 
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months 
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months 
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.  

Key Skills / Competencies:  

• Previous experience working with horses in a professional or structured setting.
• Basic knowledge of horse care, feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.
• Ability to handle and work around large horses confidently and safely. Willingness to perform physical labor in various weather conditions. Team-oriented with good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Interest in history and willingness to support interpretive programming is a plus. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Capable of standing, bending, and performing repetitive tasks for extended periods.

 Typical Work Schedule: 

 Regular/FT

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role. 

Range: $19.00 to $23.00 per hour