BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A stables guide is responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable recreational activity for guests, of the stables, while guiding a trail ride (riding a horse while supervising the horse line) or while operating the carriage team. This person is responsible for establishing and maintaining a good relationship with our guests; giving a tour of the property, sharing interesting facts, and offering accurate information about Mohonk and our history.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Competent horseback rider with ability to mount horse from the ground.
- Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to work; maintain good attendance.
- Display good horsemanship and have a strong fundamental background in horse ailments, conditions, and traits.
- Demonstrate “Horse sense” and interpret herd behavior.
- Assess rider’s abilities and horse behaviors in response to rider’s actions.
- Ensure all riders have accurately signed waiver form and payment receipt.
- Communicate instructions clearly and effectively in an ever-changing/active situation that guests of any age can understand.
- Explain proper safety procedures during the mounting and dismounting process; accurately fit guests to their saddles, stirrups, helmets and other equipment.
- Tack or harness animals prior to (or at end of) carriage or trail ride, completing a safety check of the equipment every time and maintaining equipment condition and appearance.
- Organize horse and riders in trail (lineup) groups in an efficient and safe manner.
- Learn trail routes and historical/interesting facts about Mohonk Mountain House and the surrounding area.
- Encourage, display, and role model proper riding form at all times.
- Follow grooming, feeding/watering schedules for each animal.
- Dispense and apply prescribed medications and treatments to animals.
- Detect and eliminate/reduce potential hazards from and around the trail system and barn area.
- Clean barn, riding arena, paddock, courtyard, and trail system using a golf cart or wagon.
- Lead horses to and from paddocks and riding arena.
- Lead another horse while riding a horse.
- Lead trail rides and drive carriages for up to 3 consecutive hours.
- Lead pony ride for our guests as young as 2 years of age up and down moderate inclines.
- Load hay in/out of the hayloft of barn.
- Work in a manner that will not endanger self or others.
- Handle stressful, noisy, crowded, distracting, and emergency situations calmly, with a level head; including situations involving heights or closed in areas.
- Inspect the work of others by touch, sight, sound and smell for conformance to prescribed standards.
- Work in a hot/cold climate for extended periods of time.
- Maintain a consistent attitude, cheerful, positive, and “can do”. Speak positively about Mohonk, guests, and coworkers.
- Pay attention to operational details while being attentive to guests. (Safety patrol of the barn and surroundings)
- Respond encouragingly with alternate solutions to meet the guest needs or requests; show initiative and take action with an appropriate level of independence.
- Show interest and patience while working with young or adolescent children and novice rider.
- Seek ways to enhance the guest experience in unexpected ways asking, “How can I exceed your expectations?”
- Understand and comply with the policies and procedures of Mohonk Mountain House and department.
- Answer phones in a clear, professional manner, and retrieve voicemails; return calls, accurately record messages, process payment, and follow through.
- Give accurate information, face to face, and over the phone. Maintain a complete knowledge of: stables offerings, policies, and pricing; resort features; activities; and hours of operation.
- Operate POS cash register, differentiate the denominations of U.S. currency and coins, and make change in a timely manner during a transaction.
- Speak, read and write the English language and communicate in a clear and congenial manner, with our guests, visitors and employees. Hear verbal instructions, directions and warnings.
- Speak clearly in front of groups of up to 20 persons; communicate well so that guests of any age can understand.
- See close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, stoop, twist and flex arms, walk up and down stairs/inclines, sit, climb up/down ladders or stand for up to 5 hours at a time.
- Lift up to 75 pounds from ground level to waist level and carry a distance of up to 100 yards with/ without assistance. Walk up to 7 miles per day.
- Memorize names of plants, animals, names of guests, and horses/mules.
- Demonstrate proficiency with Windows-based operating systems and use software including MS Word.
- Take reservation and billing information using computer based program with utmost accuracy and detail. Protect personal information of guest.
- Attend/participate in daily shift briefing.
- Establish and maintain positive guest relations and a peaceful riding and/or carriage experience.
- Wear proper protective equipment appropriate to the task being performed.
- Clearly communicate results of efforts, problem resolution steps, and completed tasks verbally and in writing.
- Works independently and as part of a team.
- Adhere to Mohonk Mountain House’s Dress and Grooming Standards; presenting a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance and maintaining a positive, professional image to our customers.
- Learn and successfully demonstrate the Mohonk Mountain House Service Steps with Service Strategies with guests and staff.
- Learn and retain knowledge of historical facts and information about Mohonk Mountain House.
- Maintain a flexible work schedule including days/nights, weekdays/weekends, holidays, and during peak periods of business.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid Driver’s License and at least 21 years of age, or 20 years of age with at least two years of licensed driving experience.
- Experience working with the general public and in the service industry
- First Aid and CPR Certification preferred
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
