Junior Stable Operations Associate

Part-Time | 10 Hours/Week | Weekend Coverage Required

Position Overview

ManeGait is a therapeutic riding facility dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse. We are looking for a dependable, hands-on Junior Stable Operations Associate to support daily stable operations, with a focus on feeding, cleaning, general stable upkeep, and exceptional care for our horses. This is an entry-level role that will build foundational horse-handling and stable-management skills.

Key Responsibilities

Horse Care & Stable Operations

  • Maintain daily feeding routines, providing grain and hay in accordance with the posted schedule.

  • Ensure horses have continuous access to clean water by maintaining buckets and troughs, and uphold feed-area sanitation standards after each feeding.

  • Maintain clean, well-bedded stalls that support horse health and comfort; muck loafing sheds and high-traffic turnout areas as directed.

  • Assist with horse catching and turnout under the direction of senior staff.

  • Communicate any horse or herd health concerns promptly to the Equine Manager or senior leadership.

  • Maintain pasture security by confirming gates are properly latched following pasture feeding.

  • Secure the stable during afternoon feeding and at the end of the day, verifying stall doors are latched, gates and doors are closed, and water sources are full.

Facility, Grounds & Equipment

  • Keep stable aisles, hay storage, tack and feed rooms, restrooms, and shared viewing or lounge areas clean, orderly, stocked, and free of obstruction.

  • Collect trash and recycling and perform routine stable cleaning, including sweeping, cobweb removal, dusting, and scheduled washing of walls and stall fronts.

  • Support hay and bedding supply management by transferring and restocking materials as directed.

  • Walk pastures and fence lines regularly, remove debris, and promptly report damaged fencing, gates, lighting, plumbing or water-line leaks, pest activity, or other facility concerns.

  • Care for stable equipment, tack, tools, vehicles, and machinery by cleaning, properly storing, and returning items after use; perform routine upkeep and promptly report damage or malfunctions.

  • Support general grounds upkeep, including mowing, trimming, weed control, monitoring fuel levels, and keeping driveways, walkways, and parking areas clear of debris and weather-related hazards.

Teamwork & Learning

  • Work as part of the Stable Operations team while learning and applying proper stable-management and horse-handling practices.

  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and program participants, and contribute to additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent commitment to following established procedures.

  • Comfortable and safety-conscious working around horses in a supervised environment.

  • Dependable and punctual, with the ability to provide required schedule coverage in a reliable manner.

  • Eager to learn and apply proper stable-management and horse-handling practices.

  • Strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and program participants.

  • Prior horse or stable experience preferred but not required.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

  • Ability to work safely and effectively in an active, physical equine environment, including close proximity to horses, stable equipment, vehicles, and machinery, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (including hay bales, feed, bedding, and water buckets) on a repeated basis and remain on foot for extended periods.

Compensation & Schedule

This is a part-time position. Early Morning and Afternoon Shifts are a must, including weekends, but not more than 5 days a week. Weekend coverage is required.

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief note describing your relevant experience and interest in stable operations to Desiree Sewall at dsewall@manegait.org. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our commitment to excellent horse care and ManeGait's mission of healing through horsemanship.