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Stable Hand Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aramark

$19.30/hr

The Recreation Worker I will act as a lead in personal interpretation of cultural, historical, and natural resources while providing support to guests in an outdoor environment. Responsibilities of ...

Aramark

$19.30/hr

The Recreation Worker I will act as a lead in personal interpretation of cultural, historical, and natural resources while providing support to guests in an outdoor environment. Responsibilities of ...

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$7

$15

$22

How much do stable hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for stable hand in California is $15.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Stable Hand?

A stable hand works at a horse ranch or stable to feed and care for the animals housed there. As a stable hand, your primary responsibilities include providing daily exercise for the horses and sticking to a strict feeding and grooming routine. Other duties include cleaning the stables and providing basic support to the horse trainer. You must also wash down the stalls and ensure the horse are clean, healthy, and comfortable. Work hours vary with the facility and the number of horses on the site. This is an entry-level position, often filled by young equestrian hobbyists looking to find a career with horses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Stable Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stable Hand, you need practical experience with horse care, basic animal husbandry knowledge, and physical fitness, often gained through hands-on work or agricultural training. Familiarity with stable management tools, feeding systems, and sometimes equine first aid certifications are typically valuable. Reliability, attention to detail, and a calm demeanor are important soft skills for building trust with both horses and team members. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the animals while maintaining efficient stable operations.

What are some common challenges faced by stable hands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Stable hands often encounter challenges such as maintaining cleanliness in busy stables, managing the physical demands of the job, and ensuring the well-being of multiple horses simultaneously. Effective time management and strong attention to detail are essential for keeping stalls, tack, and equipment in top condition. Building good communication with other stable staff and trainers helps coordinate care routines and address any horse health concerns promptly. Adapting to early mornings, variable weather, and physically demanding tasks is also key to success and long-term job satisfaction.

What are stable hands?

Stable hands are workers responsible for the daily care and maintenance of horses in stables or barns. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and cleaning stalls, as well as monitoring the health and well-being of the animals. Stable hands play a crucial role in ensuring that horses are healthy, comfortable, and ready for riding or competition. They may also assist with minor medical treatments and help maintain the overall cleanliness and safety of the facility.

What is the difference between Stable Hand vs Groom?

AspectStable HandGroom
CertificationsNone required, but experience preferredNone required, but experience preferred
Work EnvironmentStables, barns, outdoor areasStables, barns, outdoor areas
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning stalls, basic careFeeding, grooming, exercising horses, basic care
Industry UsageCommonly used in equestrian facilities and farmsCommonly used in equestrian facilities, farms, and racing stables

Both Stable Hands and Grooms work in similar environments and perform basic horse care tasks. However, Grooms often have additional responsibilities like grooming and exercising horses, and may be more involved in horse training activities. The roles are closely related, with Grooms typically having a slightly broader scope of duties in horse maintenance and care.

More about Stable Hand jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Stable Hand jobs in California? The most popular types of Stable Hand jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Stable Hand jobs in California? For Stable Hand jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stable Hand jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Stable Hand jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Stable Hand jobs? Cities in California with the most Stable Hand job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Stable Hand jobs in CA? For Stable Hand jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Stable Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stable Hand job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,845 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Stable Hand/Horse Groom

Stable Hand/Horse Groom

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Welcome to Stanford's Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation ("DAPER"), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 139 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn't just measured in trophies; it's reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university's physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don't just embrace excellence; we define it. We don't just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, "The DAPER Way," which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!
Responsibilities:
The Stable Hand/Horse Groom is responsible for aiding in the overall operations of the Red Barn Student Equestrian Center, reporting to the General Manager. This person will be responsible for the feeding, turnout, and blanketing of Stanford and the boarders' horses, and for the cleaning and maintenance of the barns. This position may require working mornings, weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.
  • Clean and bed stalls 25-35 stalls each day
    • Use a pitchfork to pick up manure in the stall, twisting torso 180 degrees to deposit it in the wheelbarrow
    • Push a fully loaded wheelbarrow up to 200'
    • Dump a fully loaded wheelbarrow
    • Reload the wheelbarrow with shavings
    • Standing and/or walking for up to 2 hours at a time
  • Turnout horses
    • Reach up to place halter on horse's head (up to 6')
    • Walk the horse up to 500' to the paddock
  • Feed horses
    • Climb up the hay to help push 5-10 bales of hay onto the ground
    • Lift or help lift 7 hay bales weighing in excess of 80Lbs into the Gator
    • Drive the Gator and stop at each stall to pick up a flake of hay and turn the body to throw it into the stall
  • Clean and maintain the various fixtures and common areas in the barns and adjacent areas
    • Clean Round Pen, paddocks, and Eurosicer
      • Use a pitchfork to pick up manure and load it into the Gator
      • Use the hose to wash down the arena walls
  • Operate the farm tractor and perform site maintenance as requested
    • Pick up large 20-30 Gallon tubs loaded with up to 20-50Lbs of manure and sand to dump up into the Gator for disposal
    • Get up onto the tractor, stepping up 3' and pulling oneself up to the seat
    • Sit for up to 1 hour at a time
    • Ability to turn and look 180 degrees over the shoulder every 5 minutes to ensure even harrowing
    • Ability to help bend down/squat for up to 30-60 minutes to help trade out harrow teeth
  • Blanket and un-blanket horses, depending on the season
  • Assist with any projects as assigned by the Barn Manager.
  • Work closely with the Barn Manager to ensure the general well-being and safety of the facility and its horses.

Qualifications:
A successful Stable Hand/Horse Groom will be responsible, ethical, take direction well, and work well with others. A basic working knowledge of stable operations and prior experience working closely with horses are also required. A qualified applicant will also be detail-oriented and able to work independently. Fluent English and/or computer literacy is a plus.
DAPER's Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford's intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University's reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and ACC rules and regulations.
Why Stanford is for you:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
  • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
  • A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
  • A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
  • Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
  • Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The expected pay range for this position is $23.97 to $26.50 per hour. The actual pay will be pro-rated based on the 80% FTE.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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