Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Horsewoman

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a dedicated, experienced Horsewoman — an equine professional who combines expert riding and training skills with compassionate horse care, strong barn management, and exceptional client-facing ability. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with daily stable operations, developing individualized training and conditioning programs, preparing horses for competition, managing health and emergency care, mentoring riders, and supporting business operations such as scheduling, inventory, and client communications. This role suits professionals who prioritize horse welfare, safety, and performance, and who can operate independently while collaborating with owners, veterinarians, farriers, and a stable team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Groom / Stable Hand with 1–2 years hands-on experience
Assistant Riding Instructor or Working Student at a training barn
Junior Rider / Amateur competitor stepping into professional care roles

Advancement To:

Head Groom / Senior Groom
Stable Manager / Barn Manager
Professional Trainer / Head Rider
Director of Riding Programs or Equestrian Center Manager

Lateral Moves:

Veterinary Technician (equine focus)
Saddle Fitter / Equine Equipment Sales Representative
Equine Nutrition Consultant / Breeding Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide daily comprehensive care for assigned horses — mucking stalls, cleaning paddocks, feeding according to individualized nutrition plans, rotating turnout, and monitoring water and pasture conditions — ensuring each horse is clean, comfortable, and fed on schedule.
Design and implement progressive flatwork and jumping training programs for horses of varying ages and levels, using sound training principles to develop balance, suppleness, straightness, impulsion, and responsiveness tailored to each horse’s discipline and goals.
Ride regularly to condition, schooled and compete school horses, maintain fitness plans, and prepare horses for clinics, local competitions, and major shows, adjusting workouts for fitness, recovery, and competition schedules.
Administer routine medical care including oral medications, paste dosing, topical wound care, bandage application, rectal/IV support under veterinarian direction, and follow up after treatments to ensure correct recovery and documentation.
Coordinate and schedule farrier, veterinary, and specialist visits; describe clinical signs accurately to veterinarians; assist with routine procedures like vaccinations, digital x-rays, and pre-purchase exam prep and follow-up.
Perform routine health monitoring: daily temperature, pulse, respiration checks, recognize early signs of colic, lameness, respiratory issues, weight loss, or behavioral changes, and act swiftly following established emergency protocols.
Oversee stall and barn cleanliness and biosecurity: maintain disinfecting protocols, manage isolation areas for sick horses, and ensure compliance with local health and competition regulations and vaccination requirements.
Plan and manage feeding programs using hay, grain, supplements, and other feeds; maintain accurate inventory, order supplies, rotate stock, and work with nutritionists/owners to balance rations for performance, growth, breeding, or weight management.
Train and problem-solve behavioral issues such as bolting, bucking, refusals, gate manners, and loading difficulties using humane, consistent techniques; evaluate and modify tack fit, bit, and ground-work routines to correct issues.
Conduct thorough grooming, clipping, banding, braiding/plaiting, and show preparation with high standards for cleanliness and presentation; coordinate travel grooming and pre-show checklists to meet competition timeframes.
Lead young-horse starting and progressive education programs: lunging, long-lining, saddling, first rides, desensitization, and sensible exposure to environments that build confidence and a solid training foundation.
Mentor, coach, and instruct amateur and junior riders in lessons or hacks, developing individualized lesson plans that focus on rider position, safety, equine biomechanics, and progress tracking to improve both horse and rider performance.
Supervise and train stable staff and interns: delegate daily tasks, provide hands-on coaching for grooming, tacking, and ground handling, conduct performance reviews, and enforce safety and animal welfare standards.
Coordinate horse transport logistics for shows and vet trips: inspect trailers, verify papers and health certificates, plan routes and rest stops, and personally transport or oversee professional haulers to ensure safe arrival.
Maintain detailed records for each horse: training logs, vaccination and worming schedules, farrier dates, veterinary treatments, dietary notes, competition results, purchase/sales documents, and personalized care plans in electronic or physical formats.
Prepare and present horses for sales: evaluate conformation and temperament, document training and vet histories, create video and in-person demonstrations, and communicate selling points and care requirements to prospective buyers.
Supervise breeding and foaling operations when applicable: track mare cycles, coordinate breeding dates, monitor pregnant mares, prepare foaling stalls, and provide 24/7 foaling supervision and neonatal care following best-practice protocols.
Implement and maintain safety protocols for riders, staff, and horses: establish helmet policies, tack checks, emergency contact systems, and run safety briefings for clinics and visiting guests to minimize risk.
Manage show budgets, entry logistics, and competition schedules: enter classes, arrange stabling, order shavings and supplies, handle entry fees and payments, and liaise with owners about results and next steps after competitions.
Evaluate and select appropriate tack, saddles, bridles, boots, and protective equipment; perform or coordinate saddle fitting sessions to ensure comfort and performance for each horse.
Respond to emergencies including severe lameness, colic, wound trauma, and weather-related incidents; stabilize patients, contact veterinarians, administer first aid, coordinate transports, and debrief owners with accurate incident reports.
Foster excellent owner and client relationships: provide timely communication on horse status, training goals, invoices, scheduling, and coordinate owner visits, lessons, and horse updates in a professional manner.
Implement pasture and turnout management: rotational grazing plans, fence and shelter maintenance, pasture weed control, and targeted exercise programs to reduce injury risk and improve herd health.
Lead barn marketing and client engagement activities when requested: assist with social media content, write horse profiles for sales or breeding programs, host open days or demos, and support new client onboarding processes.
Ensure compliance with insurance, licensing, and local regulations for equine facilities and equestrian events; maintain accurate documentation to support audits and client requirements.

Secondary Functions

Support barn administrative tasks: invoice clients, track staff hours, maintain supply invoices, and ensure transparent billing for lessons, training, and board.
Contribute to long-term stable strategy: participate in planning for facility upgrades, budgeting for feed and veterinary costs, and advising on horse purchasing or selling decisions.
Assist with guest relations: welcome visiting riders, schedule trial rides, manage lesson calendars, and provide clear orientation about barn rules and safety expectations.
Conduct periodic risk assessments of facility infrastructure: recommend repairs or modifications to arenas, fencing, and barns to maintain a safe environment for horses and riders.
Participate in continuing education: attend clinics, courses, and certification programs (e.g., riding instructor certification, equine first aid) and share learnings to improve barn practices.
Coordinate volunteer and internship programs: set learning objectives, create basic training modules, and supervise daily activities to ensure a positive educational experience while maintaining high standards of care.
Help with light facility maintenance when needed: painting, pressure washing, arena dragging, and equipment upkeep to present a professional and functional stable environment.
Collaborate with external specialists (saddle fitters, nutritionists, physiotherapists) to deliver holistic care plans and improve horse performance outcomes.
Provide occasional transportation of horses to vets, competitions, or between facilities while adhering to transport and biosecurity best practices.
Compile performance metrics and progress reports for owners or directors: summarize training milestones, health status, and recommended next steps for each horse.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced horsemanship with proven riding ability in English and/or Western disciplines, including flatwork, jumping, and basic dressage training principles.
Progressive training and problem-solving skills for young horses, resale prospects, and competition mounts — demonstrated through training logs or competition history.
Equine first aid and medical competence: administering medications, bandaging, wound management, monitoring vitals, and executing emergency stabilization procedures.
Practical foaling and breeding support skills: monitoring mares, neonatal assessments, and post-foaling care protocols.
Knowledge of farriery basics: recognizing hoof issues, scheduling trimmer/farrier visits, and fitting routine shoes or boots in collaboration with farriers.
Nutrition planning and feed management: ability to develop and adjust rations, manage supplements, and balance diets for weight control, growth, or performance.
Saddle fitting and tack assessment: identifying pressure points, recommending padding or specialist fitting, and maintaining tack condition.
Trailer and transport competency: safe loading/handling, knowledge of transport regulations and health certificates, and vehicle inspection procedures.
Electronic recordkeeping and barn management software familiarity (e.g., Stable Secretary, BarnManager, Equine.com CRM) or strong paper-record accuracy.
Show preparation expertise: ring etiquette, braiding/plaiting, clipping, grooming standards, and competition day logistics.

Soft Skills

Clear, client-focused communication: timely, empathetic updates and professional handling of owner concerns and expectations.
Leadership and team development: ability to train, mentor, and coordinate stable staff, interns, and contractors while promoting a positive work culture.
Strong observational skills and attention to detail for early problem detection in health, behavior, or training progress.
Calm decision-making under pressure and effective emergency response judgment when horses or humans are at risk.
Time management and organizational ability to balance stable chores, training schedules, vet/farrier appointments, and show planning.
Patience, empathy, and a humane training approach that prioritizes horse welfare and long-term development.
Customer service orientation with the ability to build and maintain strong owner and client relationships.
Adaptability and resourcefulness in varied weather, travel, and operational conditions.
Professional integrity and confidentiality when handling sales, medical information, and owner relationships.
Physical stamina, manual dexterity, and safe handling practices for daily barn operations and heavy lifting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrable hands-on equine experience (stable work, apprenticeships, working student placements).

Preferred Education:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or related field.
Professional certifications (preferred): Certified Riding Instructor (e.g., PATH Intl., BHS, USRSA), Equine First Aid, or Certified Equine Technician credentials.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Equine Science
Animal Science
Veterinary Technology
Agriculture / Farm Management
Sports Coaching / Physical Education (equestrian focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressive, hands-on equine experience; at least 2 years in a professional barn or competitive setting.

Preferred:

5+ years working with performance horses, including competition preparation and traveling with a string.
Proven supervisory or lead-groom experience with responsibility for barn operations, staff scheduling, and owner liaison.
Demonstrable track record of successful training outcomes, sales prep, or competition results with references and verifiable work history.
Experience managing breeding, foaling, or young horse starting programs is a strong plus.