Lead Barn Assistant
Full-Time | Malvern, PA
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on horse professional to join our team as a Lead Barn Assistant.
For more than 55 years, Thorncroft has enriched lives through adaptive and recreational horsemanship. As a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and EQUUS Foundation Guardian and Mentor, we are committed to exceptional horse care, operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive community for participants, volunteers, and staff.
Working closely with the Director of Equine Operations, the Lead Barn Assistant plays a key leadership role in supporting the daily care of our horses, maintaining an organized and efficient barn, and helping lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Position Overview
This is a full-time, hands-on position for an experienced horseperson who enjoys both daily barn work and leading by example. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, and passionate about providing outstanding horse care while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven team.
Because the health and safety of our horses is our highest priority, this position includes on-site housing and requires the successful candidate to reside on the Thorncroft campus as a condition of employment. Living on-site ensures timely response to equine emergencies and supports the continuous care of our herd.
ResponsibilitiesHorse Care
- Feed horses according to established feeding programs
- Prepare and administer supplements and medications as directed
- Monitor horses daily for illness, injury, soundness, and behavioral changes
- Assist with turnout, blanketing, grooming, and conditioning routines
- Prepare horses for lessons, clinics, horse shows, and special events
- Assist with clipping, bathing, and overall horse presentation
Barn Operations
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe barns, stalls, and common areas
- Assist with daily opening and closing procedures
- Monitor inventories of hay, grain, bedding, supplements, and barn supplies
- Support facility maintenance and operational readiness
- Assist with event preparation and logistics
Leadership & Team Support
- Assist in supervising barn assistants, volunteers, working students, and community service personnel
- Train new team members on Thorncroft procedures and safety standards
- Assign and monitor daily tasks as directed
- Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment
Operational Support
- Assist with veterinary, farrier, and dental appointments
- Report horse health concerns and facility maintenance needs promptly
- Provide operational oversight in the absence of the Director of Equine Operations
- Respond to equine emergencies and urgent facility needs as required
Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of professional horse care experience
- Experience in lesson, therapeutic, boarding, or training barn environments
- Strong horse handling and stable management skills
- Previous experience supervising or mentoring staff, students, or volunteers
- Knowledge of feeding programs, medications, turnout, blanketing, and horse health management
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability and willingness to reside in the on-site living quarters as a condition of employment
- Commitment to professionalism, safety, and exceptional horse welfare
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to safely handle horses of various sizes and temperaments
- Ability to bend, stoop, climb, push, pull, and perform physical barn work
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time position (40 hours per week)
- Schedule includes weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings
- Additional hours may be required for emergency horse care or special events
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- On-site living quarters provided as part of the compensation package
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work at one of the region’s premier adaptive horsemanship centers
- On-site living accommodations
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Beautiful 70-acre facility with exceptional horses and equine facilities
- Meaningful work that makes a lasting impact on participants, horses, and the community
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [email protected]. In your cover letter, tell us about your equine experience, leadership background, and what interests you about joining the Thorncroft team.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to compassion, professionalism, respect, and excellence in equine care.
Pay: $14.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- What equine disciplines have you worked with?
Experience:
- professional equine care: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Malvern, PA 19355: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
