Equine Facility Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of equine management, the role of an equine facility manager is more significant than ever.
As the equestrian industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can efficiently manage, develop, and protect our equine facilities is on the rise.
But what does it truly entail to be an equine facility manager?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the realm of equine facility management,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a flexible equine facility manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Equine Facility Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Equine Facility Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of facilities that house and care for horses.
They also manage staff and ensure that the facility adheres to safety regulations and animal welfare standards.
The duties and responsibilities of an Equine Facility Manager include:
- Overseeing the daily care of horses, including feeding, grooming, and exercise routines
- Managing the staff of the facility and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently
- Maintaining health records for all horses, including vaccinations and medical treatments
- Ensuring the safety of horses by inspecting and maintaining fences, stalls, and riding equipment
- Coordinating veterinary visits and managing the medical needs of horses
- Planning and implementing horse training and breeding programs
- Ensuring that the facility meets all animal welfare regulations and standards
- Ordering and managing supplies, including feed, bedding, and equipment
- Managing the financial aspects of the facility, including budgeting and record keeping
Equine Facility Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Equine Facility Manager to oversee the daily operations of our equine center.
The Equine Facility Manager’s responsibilities include maintaining the facility, coordinating the care of the horses, supervising staff, and ensuring adherence to safety and animal welfare regulations.
The ideal candidate should possess a thorough understanding of horse care and management, coupled with strong organizational and leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the equine facility.
- Coordinate the feeding, grooming, and health care of the horses.
- Manage staff schedules and ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
- Oversee maintenance and cleanliness of stables, paddocks, and riding arenas.
- Implement and enforce safety and animal welfare regulations.
- Handle procurement of supplies and negotiate contracts with vendors.
- Assist with the training and conditioning of horses.
- Organize and coordinate equine events and programs.
- Provide staff training and promote a positive working environment.
- Manage budget and financial records for the facility.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Equine Facility Manager or similar role.
- Extensive knowledge of horse care, nutrition, and behavior.
- Experience in staff supervision and management.
- Ability to handle and operate machinery used in an equine facility.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of safety and animal welfare regulations.
- High school diploma; degree in equine science or related field is an advantage.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Equine Facility Manager
- Work Environment: Outdoor and indoor work in a horse farm environment. Weekend and evening work may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Owner or Director of Equine Operations.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- 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 Facility Manager Do?
An Equine Facility Manager is responsible for the overall supervision of a facility that houses and takes care of horses.
They might work at horse farms, training stables, or riding schools.
Their duties encompass a wide range of tasks that ensure the health and wellbeing of the horses.
These tasks include feeding the horses, scheduling and overseeing their exercise routines, and coordinating veterinary care.
They also maintain the cleanliness and safety of the stables, paddocks, and other areas where the horses live and train.
Part of their role is managing the staff in the facility, which may include stable hands, trainers, and riding instructors.
This involves scheduling, training, and sometimes hiring and firing employees.
They are also in charge of facility maintenance and improvements, such as ordering supplies, repairing equipment, and managing the upkeep of the grounds and buildings.
Equine Facility Managers often interact with horse owners, updating them on their horse’s progress, health, and any issues that may arise.
They may also organize events at the facility, such as horse shows, clinics, or competitions.
In all cases, the Equine Facility Manager must have a deep understanding of horse behavior, care, and management, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills to successfully fulfill their role.
Equine Facility Manager Qualifications and Skills
An Equine Facility Manager should be equipped with a variety of skills and qualifications that are essential to manage and oversee operations at the equine facility, such as:
- Thorough knowledge of horse care, training, breeding, and management to ensure the well-being and optimal performance of the horses.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills to efficiently lead a team of grooms, trainers, and other staff members.
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with horse owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals and to clarify and understand their needs and expectations.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage daily tasks, events, and maintenance schedules effectively.
- Basic knowledge of equine facilities, including but not limited to stables, arenas, and pastures, and the ability to maintain and improve them as necessary.
- Strong problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise concerning the horses or the facility.
- Familiarity with equine health and safety regulations and the ability to ensure that they are adhered to within the facility.
- Physical abilities to handle horses and perform tasks around the facility, which may require lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
Equine Facility Manager Experience Requirements
Equine Facility Managers typically require a strong background in horse care and management.
A bachelor’s degree in equine science, animal science, or related fields is typically preferred, however, substantial hands-on experience can sometimes substitute formal education.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles at stables, racing yards, or equine therapy centers.
They may have experience in roles such as barn assistant, horse trainer, or veterinary assistant.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often highly skilled in equine care, facility maintenance, and staff management.
They may have developed their competencies in roles such as stable manager, senior horse trainer, or veterinary technician.
Those with more than 5 years of experience should ideally have some leadership experience and a proven ability to manage an equine facility.
They may have previously been responsible for the day-to-day operation of an equine facility, overseeing staff, managing budgets, coordinating veterinary care, and ensuring the welfare of all horses.
Equine Facility Managers also need to have a deep understanding of equine behavior, equine health and safety, and the operation of farm equipment.
They may also be required to have professional certifications depending on the demands of the specific facility.
Equine Facility Manager Education and Training Requirements
An Equine Facility Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in equine science, animal science, or a related field.
This course of study provides knowledge about horse breeding, nutrition, behavior, health, and management.
It also covers aspects of business management, such as marketing, accounting, and facility management, which are essential for running an equine facility.
Work experience in the horse industry, such as in stables, veterinary hospitals or race tracks, is also highly beneficial.
This experience provides practical knowledge about horse care, training, and facility operations.
Several states require equine facility managers to have a license or certification, which usually involves passing an exam.
The certification process often requires candidates to have a combination of education and work experience.
Continuing education is also important in this field.
Equine Facility Managers may pursue advanced courses or attend workshops and seminars to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care, breeding techniques, and equine diseases.
In addition, some managers may also pursue a master’s degree in equine studies or business management to improve their skills and increase their job prospects.
This additional qualification can help demonstrate a candidate’s dedication to their profession and their ability to handle the complex responsibilities of managing an equine facility.
Equine Facility Manager Salary Expectations
An Equine Facility Manager earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.
The actual income may vary based on factors such as years of experience, the size and prestige of the facility, and the location of the facility.
Equine Facility Manager Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Equine Facility Manager need?
An Equine Facility Manager should possess strong leadership and organizational skills to coordinate all activities within the facility.
They need to have extensive knowledge about horse care and handling, including knowledge of equine health issues and first-aid procedures.
They also need to have good communication skills to liaise with staff, clients, and veterinarians, and should be physically fit as the role often involves physical labor.
Do Equine Facility Managers need a degree?
Though a degree is not strictly required, many Equine Facility Managers have a degree in equine science, veterinary science, or a related field.
Experience in horse care and facility management is also highly valuable.
Some states may require licensing or certification, particularly for facilities that provide horse riding lessons or training.
What should you look for in an Equine Facility Manager resume?
An Equine Facility Manager’s resume should demonstrate their experience and knowledge in horse care and facility management.
They should have experience in tasks such as feeding, grooming, first-aid, and training horses.
It’s also beneficial if they have experience managing staff, budgeting, and facility maintenance.
Certifications or licenses related to equine management or care can also be a plus.
What qualities make a good Equine Facility Manager?
A good Equine Facility Manager is passionate about horses and their wellbeing.
They are detail-oriented, ensuring that all aspects of the facility run smoothly, from horse care to facility maintenance.
They have strong leadership skills, managing staff efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, they are solution-oriented, able to problem-solve and make decisions quickly and effectively.
Is it difficult to hire an Equine Facility Manager?
The difficulty in hiring an Equine Facility Manager largely depends on the specific requirements of the role and the local availability of qualified candidates.
It can be challenging to find someone who combines the necessary horse knowledge with strong managerial skills.
Offering competitive salaries and benefits, and promoting a positive, supportive work environment can help attract high-quality candidates.
Conclusion
And there it is.
Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic world of an equine facility manager.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about managing horses.
It’s about sculpting a harmonious environment, one responsibility at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive equine facility manager job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to saddle up.
But why rein in your ambitions?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Never forget:
Every duty you perform contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s gallop into the future. Together.
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