Classified Ad Details

Barn & Equine Operations Manager

Position Title

Barn & Equine Operations Manager (Full-Time)

Reports To

Executive Director

Position Summary

The Barn & Equine Operations Manager oversees the daily operation of the horse program and barn facilities, ensuring the health and well-being of all horses while maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for riders, volunteers, staff, and guests. This individual works closely with therapeutic riding instructors and  staff to support all equine-assisted activities in a Christ-centered ministry.

Primary Responsibilities

Horse Care (30%)

• Oversee the daily care of 22 +- horses
• Develop feeding schedules and special diets
• Monitor horse health and coordinate veterinary and farrier care
• Administer medications as directed
• Maintain health records
• Condition horses appropriately for therapeutic riding
• Evaluate horse suitability for programs
• Assist with retirement planning and acquisition of new horses

Barn & Facility Operations (20%)

• Supervise barn cleanliness and organization
• Manage hay, grain, bedding, and supply inventory
• Coordinate pasture rotation
• Oversee manure management
• Reporting maintenance items i.e. fencing, gates, arenas, and equipment
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance
• Ensure compliance with safety standards
• Actively manage barn staff providing performance feedback & scheduling

Staff & Volunteer Leadership (15%)

• Recruit and train barn volunteers
• Help schedule volunteers with the assistance of the Volunteer Coordinator
• Supervise barn assistants
• Conduct safety orientations
• Foster a positive Christian team environment
• Evaluate volunteer performance

Program Support (15%)

• Prepare horses for lessons
• Match horses with riders alongside instructors
• Coordinate horse schedules for:
  • Therapeutic Riding Sessions
  • Summer Camps
  • Family Retreats
  • School Groups
  • Special Events
• Monitor horse workload to prevent overuse

Camp & Retreat Responsibilities (10%)

Support:

• Summer Camps
• Weekend Retreats
• Horse Shows
• Volunteer Days
• Community Events

Responsibilities include:

• Horse assignments
• Staff coordination
• Arena preparation
• Emergency readiness

Budget & Purchasing (5%)

• Monitor barn budget
• Purchase feed and supplies
• Obtain vendor quotes
• Track horse-related expenses

Risk Management (5%)

• Enforce PATH Intl. and CHA safety standards
• Develop emergency evacuation plans
• Conduct monthly safety inspections
• Maintain first aid supplies
• Ensure proper documentation

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years horse management experience
• Strong horse handling skills
• Experience supervising employees and volunteers
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Tractor and farm equipment experience
• Strong communication skills
• Heart for serving individuals with disabilities

Preferred

• PATH Intl. Registered Instructor
• CHA Certification
• Equine First Aid Certification
• CPR/First Aid
• Camp leadership experience

Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate:

• Loves horses
• Loves people
• Thrives in ministry
• Leads with humility
• Is organized
• Solves problems independently
• Encourages volunteers
• Represents Christ well

Work Schedule

Typical Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• One weekend per month
• Additional weekends during camps and retreats
• Flexible hours based on horse care needs

Average:
40–45 hours/week

Summer:
45–55 hours/week