Working Student - Equine Training & Horsemanship

Summary/Objective

Working under the supervision of the Equine Services Director and receiving day-to-day direction from the Head Equine Trainer, this position supports the training, conditioning, rehabilitation, and overall care of the Hearts & Horses herd, which includes up to 42 equines housed across two barns and multiple paddocks on a 23-acre ranch.

The Working Student possesses a strong foundation in horsemanship and riding, including a secure, balanced seat, quiet and effective hands, and a commitment to correct, compassionate horse handling. This individual works well as part of a team, collaborating with staff and volunteers to ensure all equines at Hearts & Horses receive exceptional care while supporting the overall mission of the organization.

Key Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equine Training (90%)

• Assists with the training, conditioning, and rehabilitation of all program and trial equines to support soundness, fitness, and overall well-being.
• Must be comfortable handling and riding a wide variety of horses at varying levels of difficulty and training in both English and Western disciplines.
• Maintains proper documentation of all training records via Salesforce.
• Supervises assigned volunteers.

Other (10%)

• Assists, as needed, with emergency care for sick or injured horses, including documenting all care provided in Salesforce, and supports trainers with catching, grooming, tacking, and warming up equines for classes, as well as completing staff-only tasks as assigned.
• Assists with volunteer recognition and motivation strategies for all volunteers.
• Attends monthly 1 hour Staff Meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience

• Advanced horsemanship skills with demonstrated proficiency in riding, handling, and working horses in a variety of environments and training situations, including the ability to ride and school horses with confidence, balance, and soft, effective aids.
• Experience assessing lameness, back soreness, and related behavioral indicators of physical discomfort, with the ability to evaluate equine soundness and suitability for participation in classes.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team player in a casual but busy work environment.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in the EAS industry.
• Experience loading and unloading horses and hauling horses in a variety of trailers.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position is responsible for the supervision of assigned volunteers and ensures they follow established operations and safety protocols.

Competencies

• Horsemanship & equine behavior
• Organizational/time management
• Initiative & problem solving
• Decision making/sound judgment
• Stamina/physical strength
• Collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Volunteer management
• Leadership skills

Work Environment

May be exposed to airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and unpredictable equine behavior. Work is performed outdoors and may include exposure to wind, rain, hail, snow, and high heat.

Physical Demands

This role is physically active and requires regular communication (talking and hearing) as well as frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and occasional jogging. Must be able to safely handle horses and equipment, including lifting and moving items over 40 pounds, and performing tasks such as saddling, grooming, and assisting riders. Requires climbing into the saddle, stairs, strong balance and coordination, and frequent use of hands and arms for handling equipment, tack, gates, and reins, as well as performing administrative computer work. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkThis is a part time / temporary position. Specific days and hours of work are assigned by the Equine Services Director. Evenings and weekends may be required as part of this position.

EEO Statement

Hearts & Horses, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Other Duties

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.

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person