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Working Horse Ranch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed. Use your horse experience to ... Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a ...

Working Horse Ranch information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do working horse ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for working horse ranch in Virginia is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a working horse ranch?

A working horse ranch is a facility where horses are bred, trained, and often used for agricultural work, cattle herding, or recreational activities such as trail riding and lessons. These ranches can be family-owned or commercial operations and may also offer boarding, horse care, and equestrian events. The staff typically includes ranch hands, trainers, and caretakers who manage daily horse care and ranch maintenance. Working horse ranches play an important role in rural economies and provide valuable educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a working horse ranch hand?

Working on a horse ranch involves a variety of daily tasks, including feeding and watering horses, cleaning stalls, checking for injuries or health issues, and maintaining ranch facilities. Employees may also assist with exercising and training horses, repairing fences, and helping with breeding or foaling activities, depending on the season. Collaboration with other ranch staff is essential to ensure the well-being of the horses and the smooth operation of the ranch, and there are often opportunities to learn new skills or take on more responsibility over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a working horse ranch hand?

To thrive as a Working Horse Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with horse care, ranch maintenance, and basic animal husbandry, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ranch equipment, fencing tools, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid are typical requirements. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for success. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, efficient ranch operations, and a safe, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Working Horse Ranch vs Horse Trainer?

AspectWorking Horse RanchHorse Trainer
CredentialsExperience with ranch operations, riding skillsEquine training certifications, riding experience
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor settings, farm facilitiesTraining arenas, stables, outdoor riding areas
Industry UsageRanching, livestock managementEquine training, riding instruction
Common Search IntentRanch work, livestock careHorse training, riding lessons

While both roles involve working with horses, a Working Horse Ranch focuses on overall ranch operations, livestock management, and outdoor farm work. A Horse Trainer specializes in training horses for riding, performance, or behavior. The roles overlap in horse handling skills but differ in scope and environment.

What job categories do people searching Working Horse Ranch jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Working Horse Ranch jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Working Horse Ranch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,863 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Part Time Equine Assistant

Rite of Passage Brand

Lignum, VA • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Part Time Equine Assistant

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of at-risk youth! Rite of Passage Team is hiring for an Equine Assistant at Childhelp, Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Virginia.

Childhelp is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of children aged 5-14 with mild to severe trauma or neglect, psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our unique location on a 270-acre farm provides a nurturing treatment setting with a variety of therapy resources. We bring the light of love and healing into the lives of countless abused and neglected children, and those suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders. We take a holistic approach to serving our children along with meeting their physical, emotional and educational needs. Becoming a member of our Childhelp team is more than a job, it's an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a mission driven organization.

Pay: $18-$23 per hour, based on education and experience. Perks & Benefits: 401k match of up to 6% after 1 year of employment, free meals on shift, professional development assistance and more!

What you will do: Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed. Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth! Our dedicated team cares for the horses, facility and supports our therapist in an Equine assisted mental health program serving our resident children. Responsible for performing routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning, providing assistance with care of the horses including feeding, turn arounds, grooming, basic first-aid, medication administration and more.

To be considered you should: Be at least 19 years of age ~ Possess a high school diploma or equivalent ~ Have a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record for the past 3 years~ Minimum of one (1) year of full-time experience working with horses ~ Must have previous equine experience and the ability to safely handle horses independently ~ Knowledge of basic equine first aid/wellness and care ~ Experience in EAP/Equine assisted mental health services, animal assisted mental health services, or adaptive/therapeutic riding ~ Ability to assist in safely leading equine activities with at risk children ~ Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test. This is a tobacco free facility.

Preferred qualifications for higher end of pay range:

  • Knowledge of ranch equipment, machine operation and ability to drive manual tractor
  • Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university and one to two years related professional equine experience and/or training preferably in an equine therapeutic setting
  • Current CHA, PATH, or EAGALA certifications
  • Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding
  • Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds
  • Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a residential treatment facility for children ages 5 – 14 years

Schedule: This will be a scheduled part time role, working 28 hours per week. This position will work 8am-6pm Every Saturday or Sunday. Need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, and rotating holidays. Other shifts will vary but hours will be between 1pm-7pm several days per week.

Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth! After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As an Equine Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.

Qualifications

Education Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.