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Performance Horse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horse Farm Associate

Somers, CT · On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performance environment that values excellence, innovation, and horse welfare. Your Role: * Maintain a safe and organized work ...

Horse Farm Associate

Somers, CT · On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performance environment that values excellence, innovation, and horse welfare. Your Role: * Maintain a safe and organized work ...

Bayhill Equine is a fully ambulatory practice specializing in sports medicine for the performance horse. With a highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment and treatment protocols, Bayhill ...

Bayhill Equine is a fully ambulatory practice specializing in sports medicine for the performance horse. With a highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment and treatment protocols, Bayhill ...

The Crown Is Yours As a Horse Racing Operations Associate working remotely from Oregon, you'll ... From analyzing performance to executing campaigns, you'll play a key role in ensuring the product ...

Our clientele consists of mostly performance horses (barrel racers, roping and cutting horses), as well as cherished pleasure horses with exceptional owners. We are looking for equine veterinarians ...

Our aim is to provide students with a realistic example of private practice in the performance horse industry, while allowing them the opportunity to enhance their clinical understanding. This ...

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Performance Horse information

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$11

$60

$98

How much do performance horse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance horse in the United States is $60.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 20% rule for horses?

The 20% rule for horses, including performance horses, suggests that a rider or trainer should not increase training intensity or workload by more than 20% per week to prevent injury and promote safe progress. This guideline helps maintain the horse's physical health and ensures gradual development of strength and skill.

What are some common challenges faced by a Performance Horse Trainer, and how can they be managed?

Performance Horse Trainers often encounter challenges such as adapting training techniques to suit individual horses’ temperaments, managing the physical and mental stress on the animals, and balancing competition schedules with proper rest and recovery. Building a strong rapport with each horse and staying updated on best practices in equine care can help address these challenges. Close communication with veterinarians, farriers, and owners is also essential to ensuring peak performance and well-being for the horses.

What is the difference between Performance Horse vs Equine Veterinarian?

AspectPerformance HorseEquine Veterinarian
Required CredentialsHorse training certifications, riding experienceVeterinary degree, state licensure
Work EnvironmentStables, racetracks, show ringsClinics, hospitals, farms
Employer & IndustryEquestrian centers, racing, show circuitsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research

Performance Horse professionals focus on training, riding, and preparing horses for competitions or work, often without formal veterinary credentials. Equine Veterinarians diagnose and treat horse health issues, requiring veterinary degrees and licenses. While both work with horses, their roles differ significantly in scope and qualifications. Performance Horse careers emphasize riding skills and training, whereas Equine Veterinarians focus on medical care and health management.

What are performance horses?

Performance horses are horses specifically bred, trained, and used for competitive equestrian sports and disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, eventing, barrel racing, and reining. These horses are selected for their athleticism, agility, temperament, and ability to excel in high-performance activities. Performance horses require specialized training, conditioning, and care to achieve top results in their chosen discipline. Owners and riders often invest significant time and resources to maintain the health and performance of these horses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Performance Horse Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performance Horse Trainer, you need deep expertise in equine behavior, riding techniques, and training methodologies, often backed by experience in competitive equestrian sports. Familiarity with tools like training aids, video analysis software, and certifications from organizations such as the United States Equestrian Federation or similar bodies are common. Patience, keen observation, and strong communication skills help trainers effectively work with both horses and their owners. These skills ensure safe, humane training, optimal horse performance, and positive client relationships in a demanding, results-driven field.
More about Performance Horse jobs
What cities are hiring for Performance Horse jobs? Cities with the most Performance Horse job openings:
What states have the most Performance Horse jobs? States with the most job openings for Performance Horse jobs include:
Infographic showing various Performance Horse job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $125,019 per year, or $60.1 per hour.
Non-CDL Local Horse Haulers in Lexington, KY

Non-CDL Local Horse Haulers in Lexington, KY

Sallee Horse Vans, Inc.

Lexington, KY

$50K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Sallee Horse Vansis hiring full-timeNon-CDL Local Horse Haulers in Lexington, KY that have previous horse handling experience.Our local drivers operate a small box truck or pick-up with a gooseneck trailer. You will be transporting race and show horses between tracks and training facilities in the Lexington, KY area and surrounding counties.

Previous horse handling experience is required.

Compensation:

  • Average Annual Gross Pay: $50,000-$70,000
  • Hourly Pay: $17an hour with an average of 45-60 hours a week
  • Time and a half overtime pay
    • Additional Pay:
      • Performance and Safety Bonus: paid once per year
      • DOT inspection: $50 gift card
  • Paid via direct deposit weekly

Benefits & Perks:

Great company benefits with health insurance starting the 1st day of the month after completing 60 continuous days offull-time employment:

  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Insurance available (AFLAC)
  • Short-Term Disability,Long-Term Disability, and Critical IllnessInsurance
  • 401K fully vested after 1 year of employment. Will match first 3% and 50% for the next 2%
  • Company Closed for Christmas as a paid company holiday
  • Paid Vacation Time: One weeks after one year.
  • Perks: Fuel cards, Terminal Services, and Drivers lounge with shower

Home Time, Route, & Schedule

  • Home Daily!
  • Schedule: Day shift. Start times based on customer needs. Weekend shifts are required
  • Route: Lexington, KY area and surrounding counties.
  • Level of Touch: Drivers set up stalls, load and unload cargo while operating cargo handling equipment. While the location staff tends to do live loading and unloading, some loading and unloading may be required

Equipment:

  • Small box truck and pickup with gooseneck trailer
  • Automatic Transmission

Qualifications:

  • Previous horse handling experience is required.
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Must be at least 20years of age
  • Class A CDL is not required, but a plus
  • Minimum of 2 years commercial driving experience
  • Must meet Sallee Horse Vans MVR and Risk Rating qualifications
  • Must meet DOT physical and medical requirements
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employmentdrug testand background check
  • Able to left a minimum of 50 lbs
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Must be customer-focused, honest, trustworthy, and a team player who cares about their co-workers.
  • Hiring Radius:Drivers must live within 40 miles of Lexington, KY orbe willing to relocate for this position.

Sallee Horse Vansis an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, protected veteran status, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Family owned and operated by a 3rdgeneration female CEO, Sallee Horse Vans has been the industry leaderin horse transportation for more than 60 years! Salle Horse Vans transports the nations most famous race horses,show horses and treasured family pets from equestrian centers to well-known racetracks and show arenas.We know that the precious cargo we carry represents hopes, dreams, friendships and fortunes and we pride ourselves in the blue ribbon customer service our customers trust.Having the newest equipment and top-quality maintenance ensures safety, comfort and on-time deliveries. Drivers choose to stay with us because of our strong reputation, caring leadership team, great people, family-oriented culture and strong core values. If you love horses, enjoy the lifestyle andwant to part of each and every winner's story, join our team today!

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      Job Industries
      • Transportation