Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs

60 Churchill Downs Stable Hand Jobs Hiring Near You

JOB SUMMARY Part of the Churchill Downs, Inc. family, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming is your best bet ... This position is tip eligible meaning you leave with money in hand after every shift. * Competitive ...

... Isle Downs! You'll help keep our stable area, track, and racing operations safe and secure ... Work With Us Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate ...

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Churchill Downs Jobs Information

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.

What other companies are hiring for Stable Hand jobs?
Infographic showing various Stable Hand job openings at Churchill Downs in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Stall Superintendent (Summer 2026)

Stall Superintendent (Summer 2026)

Churchill Downs Incorporated

New Kent, VA • On-site

Temporary

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie's Gaming Emporium, Rosie's Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.
JOB SUMMARY
The Stall Superintendent is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of horse stalls and equine facilities. This is a seasonal position for the Summer race meet at Colonial Downs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Issues stall assignments and tack/dorms rooms within established guidelines and as deemed appropriate.
  • Oversees the receiving area to assure all ship-ins have stall space.
  • Monitors the incoming and outgoing of horses in the stable area.
  • Works with departmental leadership in coordinating projects and scheduling/delegating work tasks, such as maintaining and cleaning the facilities.
  • Inspects barns and stalls for any damage or needed stall surface preparations.
  • Arranges for preventive maintenance and repairs on equine building systems, equipment, and tools in coordination with Racing staff or the Facilities department.
  • Prepares and maintains files, records, reports and related documents in support of Barn/Stall and Dorm operations as internally required.
  • Works with departmental leadership to monitor inventory, supplies, and ensure equipment is maintained, ordered and stocked properly.
  • Identifies, reports, and corrects unsafe work practices or unsafe property conditions.
  • Assists security with issues related to the stable area.
  • Ensures that stall activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

#colonialdownsracetrack
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and thorough with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations associated with horse racing.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other related computer applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years of experience in Horse Barn and Stall operations.
  • Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, push, pull, lift, reach, twist, and bend while enduring prolonged periods of standing and walking.
  • The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke, depending on the assigned station and customer volume.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Work With Us
Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.
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