Equine Caretaker

StableStrides Equine Caretaker

StableStrides mission is to significantly improve the well-being of individuals through a connection with horses. StableStrides, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is the only PATH Intl. premier accredited center in southern Colorado. Additionally, it is the oldest and largest center in southern Colorado.  

 Job Title: Equine Caretaker 

Hours: Non-Exempt, Part Time Position, approximately 5-15 hours weekly, days vary depending on current openings, Weekends, and holidays

Reports to: Equine Director  

Hourly Range: 5-15 hrs/ week, paid $14.42 per hour 

Benefits: Ability to participate in a free staff horseback riding lesson held weekly, individualized training to help grow your horse knowledge, and ability to participate in staff trainings to grow your understanding of the equine therapeutic world. 

Job Description:

The Equine Caretaker is responsible for the care and health management of all StableStrides equines at Latigo Trails Equestrian Center OR the Norris Penrose Event Center Facility. Each Caretaker reports directly to the Equine Director.

Major Areas of Responsibility

An Equine Caretaker’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Turning all equines out for AM shift and/or bringing all equines in to assigned stalls for PM shift.
• Cleaning stalls for AM shift
• Correctly following the feeding charts to insure each horse receives its accurate grain, hay and supplements.
• Feeding all equines in a timely manner for your assigned shift.
• Insuring water buckets and water troughs are clean and full
• Completing weekly and monthly assignments in a timely manner
• Addressing any first aid requirements that arise. This includes but is not limited to: wrapping or unwrapping legs, taking care of small wounds, notifying Equine Director of injured or ill equine, taking temperatures when suspected equine is sick, hand walking a colicing horse until Equine Director and/or vet arrives, etc.
• Cleaning up feed room and aisle ways after feeding
• Following all StableStrides’ policy and procedures as they pertain to the equine department.
• Working in a professional manner that will embody StableStrides’ core values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Compassion.
• Following general therapy stable rules

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The following are representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Requirements

• At least 18 years’ old
• Ability to lift minimal of 50 lbs. on a regular basis
• Ability to stay on your feet for your entire shift
• Ability and willingness to follow directions
• Excellent time management skills

• Excellent customer service skills
• General knowledge of equine anatomy
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to show genuine respect to all personnel, equines, and equipment
• Ability to treat clients (which will be within the work environment) with respect at all times.
• Willingness and ability to teach any volunteers that are willing to help during your shift.
• Ability to work independently while staying on task
• Ability to pass Background Check

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience and ability to demonstrate horse handling skills

Work Environment

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the job holder will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Working with and around horses. Working with and around farm and ranch equipment. Physically able to get around on foot in an outdoor environment, such as outdoor arenas, corrals, and barns.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to all weather conditions and will need to dress appropriately.  

***StableStrides is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All employment candidates may be subject to background screening, and may be subject to a per-employment drug screen.***

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14.42 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 25 per week

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays
• Morning shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Colorado Springs, CO: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person