Employment Type: 30 hours per week - can also consider full time
Reports To: Program Director
Works Closely With: Operations Director, Lesson Manager, Instructors, Therapists, and
Program Staff
Benefits Eligible: Yes
On-Call: Required for equine-related emergencies and severe weather events
Salary: $40,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience.
** This position is eligible for optional on-site housing in a private two-level apartment located in the farmhouse. If elected, housing will be provided as part of the overall compensation package, with terms and any applicable value clearly outlined in a separate housing agreement in accordance with Massachusetts law.
Position Summary
The Equine Manager is responsible for supporting the health, safety, training, and overall well-being of Ironstone Farm’s herd in support of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs. This role ensures horses are physically sound, behaviorally prepared, and appropriately matched for participation in lessons and programs. The Equine Manager works closely with the Program Director to support herd management, equine training, program readiness, and safe equine practices across the organization. This role also provides equine education and guidance to staff, volunteers, and instructors to promote consistent, humane, and safety-centered horsemanship. The Equine Manager reports to the Program Director for all program-related, equine health and behavior and equine acquisition decisions and collaborates closely with the Operations Director regarding facilities, feed, supplies, and barn operations. This role focuses on equine welfare, training, and program readiness rather than facilities or operational scheduling. The position plays a critical role in ensuring the herd supports Ironstone Farm’s mission while aligning with PATH Intl. standards and industry best practices for therapeutic riding programs.
Key Responsibilities
Equine Health, Safety & Welfare
● With the support and collaboration of the Program Director oversee the daily health and well-being of all program horses.
● Conduct regular physical and behavioral assessments to monitor soundness, comfort, and emotional state.
● Identify and respond promptly to injury, illness, stress, or behavioral changes.
● Maintain accurate equine health, medical, and usage records.
● Coordinate veterinary, farrier, dentistry, vaccination, and deworming schedules.
● Monitor equine workload to ensure horses are used appropriately for therapeutic programming.
● Ensure proper saddle fit, tack safety, and equipment condition. Herd Management & Equine Training
● Coordinate with Program Director to develop and implement training and conditioning plans for program horses.
● Maintain horses that are calm, responsive, and suitable for therapeutic environments.
● Evaluate horse temperament, behavior, and readiness for different riders and programs.
● Coordinate with Program Director and Equine Committee to support herd transitions including introducing new horses and retiring program horses.
● Implement humane, consistent training practices aligned with therapeutic riding program standards.
● Address behavioral concerns and support horses experiencing stress or program fatigue. Horse Matching & Program Support
● Collaborate with Program Director, Lesson Manager and Equine team to match horses with riders, volunteers, and programs based on temperament, training, and participant needs.
● Collaborate with instructors, therapists, and program staff to determine appropriate horse–rider pairings.
● Monitor and adjust horse assignments to support safety, rider progress, and equine welfare.
● Provide equine input into program scheduling, horse workload, and program capacity.
● Participate in rider evaluations and program planning as needed. Staff & Volunteer Training
● Coordinate with Program Director, Lesson Manager and Volunteer Manager to train staff and volunteers in safe horse handling, grooming, tacking, and groundwork.
● Educate staff and volunteers on equine behavior, body language, and stress signals.
● Promote consistent handling practices across instructors, volunteers, and staff.
● Support instructor development by sharing equine insights related to rider safety and horse welfare.
● Model calm, respectful, and trauma-informed interactions with horses. Program Collaboration
● Partner closely with the Program Director to support program goals and equine utilization.
● Collaborate with the Lesson Manager and instructors to ensure horses are prepared for lessons and programming.
● Coordinate with the Operations Director regarding feed, bedding, pasture management, and facility needs.
● Support equine purchases, leases, or retirement decisions.
● Communicate equine-related concerns, risks, and recommendations in a timely manner. The Equine Manager role is designed to preserve equine expertise while aligning equine decision-making with program accountability and organizational structure. Risk Management & Emergency Response
● Serve as one of the primary responders for equine-related emergencies.
● Assist with emergency preparedness planning for horse care and evacuation procedures.
● Maintain a strong culture of safety for horses, participants, staff, and volunteers.
● Monitor equine-related program risks and implement preventative practices.
● Support safe program operations during weather events or unexpected situations.
Qualifications Required
● Minimum 5 years (10 years preferred) of experience in equine care, training, and herd management, preferably in a therapeutic riding or equine-assisted services setting.
● PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or comparable certification required (or willingness to obtain).
● Strong knowledge of equine behavior, training, nutrition, and soundness management.
● Demonstrated ability to assess horse temperament and suitability for therapeutic riding programs.
● Experience training and supervising staff and/or volunteers.
● Ability to work in a dynamic program environment with strong communication and organizational skills.
Work Schedule & Physical Requirements
● Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on program needs.
● Participation in on-call rotation for equine emergencies and severe weather events.
● Ability to perform physical work associated with equine care including lifting, walking long distances, handling horses, and working outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Mission Alignment
Ironstone Farm is committed to providing high-quality therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs that support individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The Equine Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the herd remains healthy, prepared, and supported so that horses can safely and effectively serve participants while maintaining the highest standards of equine welfare.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
