Horse Rider/Exerciser jobs in New Mexico

Horse Trainer

The Trainer is responsible for the under-saddle training of our rescue horses to make them ready for adoption as riding horses. This entails having approximately 10 horses under saddle at all times (from start to basic under saddle training.) The Trainer is responsible for the individualized evaluation and development of a training program, for each eligible horse onsite. Due to the nature of our rescue, our horses arrive without background information and some have not been handled at all. This position reports to the Ranch Manager with additional oversite by the Executive Director.

Minimum Saddle Training Expectations

Ground Work

• Lead, back, yield hindquarters/forequarters 360 degrees right and left.
• Lateral flex left and right.
• Send on a circle (on lead rope or lunge line) right and left at a walk and trot.
• Send over stationary obstacles (bridge, tarp, etc.) left and right.
• Load/Unload trailer quietly.
• Stand tied.
• Pick up all four feet.
• Accepts spray (fly, conditioner, etc.) and bathing.

Under Saddle

• Stands still for mounting and dismounting from the left and right.
• Walk, trot, canter (can pick up correct lead), stop both directions in an area that is at least 20 meters by 60 meters in size.
• Reliable stop when asked.
• Circles right and left at walk, trot, canter (in correct lead).
• Back at least 10 steps and stay straight.
• Yield hindquarters and forequarters 360 degrees left and right.
• Ride in an open area (trail, field, etc.)

Duties Include, but not limited to:

• Training of 10 horses under saddle at all times.
• Lead all aspects of equine training.
• Lead the development of over-all and individualized training plan.
• Actively implement each equine’s specific training including general, ground, and under saddle work.
• Guide the onsite groundwork trainer.
• Identify and attempt to correct equine behavioral issues.
• Assist the Ranch Manager in overall evaluation of equines (behavioral and adoptability).
• Complete timely and accurate training logs.
• Aid to maintain up-to-date background description, photos, and videos of horses in the training program.
• Submit monthly Training Reports to the Ranch Manager and Executive Director.
• Contribute to and support initiatives to improve processes and procedures.

· Assist the Veterinarian/Dental Tech and Farrier when needed.

· Administer medications and wound care, when needed.

· Adoption Appointments to find the best match for each individual horse and rider.

· Horse Emergency management.

· Willingness to feed, in case of emergency.

· Act as THS ambassador.

Required Skills:

· Minimum 3-5 years as a professional trainer.

· A proven track record of successfully leading a comprehensive equine training program.

· Background and adherence to a “natural horsemanship” training methodology.

· Knowledge of and comfort with training feral and/or difficult horses.

· Ability to work collaboratively within a team structure.

· Ability to maintain an active year-round outdoor schedule.

· Ability to lift 50lbs.

· A valid driver’s license and proof or insurability.

· Computer proficiency.

Benefits:

· Onsite Housing in a 2 bed, 2.5 bath home. Utilities included. ($22,800 value.)

· Salary Range $40,000 to $50,000 salary, depending on experience, with merit-based raises.

· Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Accident insurance benefits available.

· Ability to board/feed two horses onsite (all other expenses paid by owner.)

About The Horse Shelter: Celebrating our 24th year, The Horse Shelter serves as a sanctuary for New Mexico’s abandoned, abused, and neglected horses. Rescued horses will be rehabilitated and adopted out whenever possible to environments that support their well-being and future long-term care.

The Horse Shelter Ranch is located in Cerrillos, NM on a beautiful 128 acre ranch, with currently 90 rescue horses onsite and the total capacity of 100.

Shelter horses are housed in run-in stalls, large paddocks, and turn-outs. We maintain a healthy feeding regimen and provide veterinary and farrier care. We aim to exercise our horses when appropriate. We utilize our training program to get them ready for adoption to carefully screened new owners.

For some horses, The Horse Shelter will be a life-long sanctuary due to history, age, or medical condition.

Please send indications of interest to: info@thehorseshelter.org

We also have an opening for Ranch Foreman.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Cerrillos, NM 87010: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person