Trainer/Caretaker - Private 3 Horse Ranch

Situated on ~300 acres outside of the center of Santa Fe, NM, this beautiful private ranch is complete with a 10 stall barn, outdoor riding arena, and 8 miles worth of private trails for the resident horses and their humans to enjoy! Providing a forever home for the family's 3 horses, this ranch will soon grow to include cattle grazing on the pasture land and a small armada of donkeys to protect them. Located less than 20min from the heart of Santa Fe, this property provides a unique blend of tranquil ranch living but convenient access to civilization!

Job Description 

We are looking for a compassionate, experienced equestrian to join this facility as the Trainer/Caretaker of the owner's 3 forever horses. Aged in their early teens, the horses here have been trained up under Parelli principals, and do not have any competition goals or rigorous demands. This person will be responsible for exercising the horses on a daily basis in the arenas and on the trails, along with maintaining the highest standards of care alongside the rest of the 4 person team. With a typical work schedule running 7:30am-4:00pm just 4 days per week including weekends, there are generally at least 2 individuals working in the barn at all times. The ideal individual will have an easygoing personality but be accustomed to providing meticulous care for the horses at all times. This person must be well experienced in western riding principals, and have a gentle, horses-first mentality. 

There is a team of maintenance professionals who handle all facility upkeep, fence fixing, etc - and the cattle and donkeys are not the responsibility of this individual beyond basic oversight in the event of an emergency. This is truly a position centered around providing the best possible care for the 3 horses on-site for the duration of their lifetimes!

A minimum of a 12 month commitment is required in this position. (Though let's be real, this is the opportunity of a lifetime!!)

- Feed horses - 2x/day for gain and 4x/day for hay

- Bring horses to/from turnout

- Stall Cleaning Daily

- Check horses' feet before and after turnout and working

- Groom and provide care for horses, including daily Theraplate use

- Exercise horses both in the arena and on the trails on schedule in collaboration with the Barn Manager and Owner ~1hr per ride, 2 horses per day

- Monitor for any signs of illness, injury, or various other equine ailments - and treat accordingly

*Ability to perform night check duties for additional income is possible!

        *Familiarity with Parelli training methods is preferred but not required

- Must be capable of driving a 3 horse gooseneck trailer in event of emergency

- Must be willing to follow detailed care instructions and uphold owner's standards of horsecare at all times

- Must be willing to work weekends

- Must be able to bandage and provide basic first aide for horses

- Easygoing, collaborative teamwork attitude

- Willing to do all aspects of horse care 

- Possess a strong attention to detail and high care standards for horses

*Bonus if familiar with rehab modalities - i.e. massage, laser, PEMF, theraplate, etc

*Bonus is comfortable and able to give IV/IM injections

- $65/hr with an average 35hour work week for an expected base comp totaling around $115,000

- 50% employer paid health insurance

- Relocation Stipend Available

- 4 day work week 

- 1hr paid lunch daily

- Ability to make additional income with night check responsibilities

On average, a newly built/high quality rental can be found for about $1000/mo in the local area - but prices can be as low as $800/mo. A quality and reliable vehicle is required for this opportunity