Equine Care Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of equine health and wellness, the spotlight on equine care specialists has never been brighter.

As the equestrian world gallops forward, the demand for experienced professionals who can tend, nurture, and protect our equine companions grows stronger.

But let’s clear the dust: What’s truly expected from an equine care specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of equine care,

You’re in the right stable.

Today, we present a customizable equine care specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s trot right into it.

Equine Care Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Equine Care Specialists are primarily responsible for the day-to-day care and management of horses.

This includes maintaining their physical health, ensuring their mental wellbeing, and providing a safe and clean environment for them.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitor and assess the health of horses, looking for signs of illness or injury
• Administer medication as needed and assist with veterinary check-ups
• Provide basic first aid to horses in the case of minor injuries
• Feed and water horses, adhering to specific dietary needs
• Maintain cleanliness of the stables and horse living areas
• Exercise horses regularly through activities like walking, trotting, or galloping
• Assist with horse training routines and schedules
• Help with grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, and hoof care
• Ensure that horses are comfortable and safe in their environment
• Help to train and socialize young horses
• Manage records of horse health, diet, and activities
• Communicate with horse owners and trainers regarding the horses’ health and behavior

 

Equine Care Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Equine Care Specialist to join our team.

You will be responsible for the daily care and management of our horses, including feeding, grooming, and exercising.

You will also monitor the health of all horses and coordinate with veterinarians for any necessary medical treatment.

Our ideal candidate has a solid background in horse care with a deep respect and love for horses.

Prior experience in a similar role and knowledge of equine behavior and safety is a must.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for horses, including feeding, watering, grooming, and exercise.
• Monitor horses’ health, note changes, and report any concerns immediately.
• Administer medication and treatments as directed by veterinarians.
• Assist with breeding and foaling activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of stables and other equine facilities.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are kept clean and in good working order.
• Provide basic first aid to horses as needed.
• Ensure safe and humane handling of all horses.
• Maintain records of horses’ feeding, health, and overall condition.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Equine Care Specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of horse behavior, needs, and comfort.
• Familiarity with equine first aid and ability to detect health problems.
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy items.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in equine science or related field is a plus.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Equine Care Specialist
• Work Environment: This job typically involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires physical stamina.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Barn Manager or Equine Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Equine Care Specialist Do?

Equine Care Specialists, often found working in stables, racetracks, or veterinary hospitals, are responsible for the overall care and welfare of horses.

Their work includes feeding horses, cleaning and maintaining their stalls, and grooming them regularly.

They may also be tasked with exercising the horses to maintain their physical condition, either by riding them or leading them in controlled physical activities.

Equine Care Specialists might be involved in the administration of medication or first aid under the direction of a veterinarian, and they also monitor the horses for any signs of illness or injury.

They may also assist in the training of horses, ensuring that they are comfortable with human interaction and basic commands.

As part of their role, they often communicate with horse owners and trainers, reporting on the horse’s condition, any behavioral changes, and any necessary medical treatment.

Equine Care Specialists need to have a solid understanding of horse behavior and be able to handle horses safely and effectively.

Their goal is to ensure that the horses under their care are healthy, comfortable, and well-maintained.

 

Equine Care Specialist Qualifications and Skills

Equine Care Specialists require a range of skills, both technical and interpersonal, to effectively care for horses and manage stables, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of horse behavior, nutrition, physiology, and reproduction to provide optimal care for horses.
• Physical fitness and stamina to handle large and sometimes unruly animals, clean stables, lift heavy feed bags, and perform other physically demanding tasks.
• Detail-oriented to monitor and record changes in the horse’s condition, behavior, diet, or physical health and to maintain accurate records.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with horse owners, riders, veterinarians, and other members of staff.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address health issues, behavioral problems, and other concerns that may arise in the care of horses.
• Experience with riding and handling horses, as well as familiarity with tack and equipment used in horse care.
• First aid skills, ideally including equine-specific first aid, to respond to emergencies or injuries.

 

Equine Care Specialist Experience Requirements

Equine Care Specialists often start their career through gaining practical experience in a horse stable or equestrian center.

This could be through an internship, part-time role or full-time employment, often in entry-level positions such as Stable Hand or Assistant Equine Care Specialist.

With 1 to 2 years of experience in the equine industry, these professionals may advance to roles such as Groom or Equine Care Assistant, which involve more responsibilities including the health and well-being of horses, recognizing signs of illness or injury, and providing basic medical care.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience could advance further to become an Equine Care Specialist.

At this point, their duties may involve managing a team of workers, providing advanced care to horses, developing and implementing horse training and care programs, and liaising with veterinarians.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and extensive knowledge of equine care and management may be ready for senior positions, such as Equine Manager or Stable Manager.

These roles may involve overseeing all aspects of horse care and stable management, including staff management, budgeting, and liaison with external stakeholders.

In addition to practical experience, a degree or certification in equine science, veterinary medicine or a related field is often preferred for higher-level positions.

 

Equine Care Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Equine Care Specialists generally have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a background or strong interest in animal science.

Many specialists opt for a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as equine science or veterinary technology, which provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in horse care.

Understanding horse behavior, anatomy, nutrition, and diseases are crucial aspects of these programs.

These programs also cover the practical skills like grooming, feeding, riding, and general maintenance of horses.

Professional certification, such as those offered by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), can be beneficial and provide an edge in the job market.

Some positions may require further specialization, such as a diploma or certification in equine dentistry or podiatry.

Continuous education is important, as it keeps specialists updated on the latest trends and advances in equine care.

Participating in workshops, seminars, or webinars can be beneficial for this ongoing learning.

Volunteer or work experience in stables, vet clinics, or equine rescue centers is often highly valued, providing practical, hands-on experience.

 

Equine Care Specialist Salary Expectations

An Equine Care Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $30,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, specific skills, location, and the type of employer.

 

Equine Care Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Equine Care Specialist need?

An Equine Care Specialist should have a broad range of skills including knowledge of equine behavior, nutrition, and general health.

They should be adept at handling horses and be familiar with safe riding practices.

Physical fitness and stamina are also important, as the role often involves heavy lifting and long periods of standing.

Excellent observational abilities are key to notice any changes in a horse’s condition or behavior.

 

Do Equine Care Specialists need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary to become an Equine Care Specialist, a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science or a related field can be beneficial.

However, hands-on experience working with horses is often considered more valuable.

Certification from a recognized equine management program can also be useful.

 

What should you look for in an Equine Care Specialist resume?

An Equine Care Specialist resume should showcase experience in horse care and management.

Look for evidence of practical skills such as grooming, feeding, and exercise.

Any certifications in equine care or management should be listed.

Additionally, any experience with equine medical procedures or knowledge of horse behavior and training methods is highly beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Equine Care Specialist?

A good Equine Care Specialist has a genuine love for horses and a desire to ensure their wellbeing.

They should be patient, attentive, and able to stay calm under pressure.

Good physical stamina is important, as is the ability to work independently.

They should also have excellent problem-solving skills to deal with any issues that arise in the course of their work.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Equine Care Specialist?

Hiring an Equine Care Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique combination of practical skills, knowledge, and a genuine love for horses.

You may find a smaller pool of qualified candidates compared to other roles, but those who do apply are often highly passionate about the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be an equine care specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about grooming horses.

It’s about nurturing a bond between humans and horses, one brush stroke at a time.

With our comprehensive equine care specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But don’t rein yourself in yet.

Gallop further with our job description generator. It’s your next move for crafting meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every grooming brush, each feeding schedule is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that equine-human bond. Together.

How to Become an Equine Care Specialist (Complete Guide)

The Fulfillment Frontier: The Most Satisfying Jobs in Sight

Career Cheer: The Most Enjoyable Jobs That Keep Spirits High

The Work Wave: Trending Jobs That Are the New Big Thing

AI’s Dead End: Jobs That Require the Human Touch