Horse Barn Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of equestrian management, the role of the horse barn manager is both demanding and rewarding.

As our equine companions become more central to our lives, the need for skilled individuals who can maintain, manage, and ensure the well-being of our horse barns is more essential than ever.

But what exactly does a horse barn manager do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker keen to understand the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of horse barn management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable horse barn manager job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Horse Barn Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Horse Barn Managers oversee the daily operations of horse stables, ensuring the health and wellbeing of the animals, as well as supervising barn staff.

They require a comprehensive understanding of horse care, health, nutrition, and behavior to effectively perform their duties.

As a Horse Barn Manager, you will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Manage and monitor the overall health and wellbeing of the horses
• Organize and oversee feeding, grooming, and exercise schedules for each horse
• Arrange for and supervise veterinary care, including routine check-ups and emergency situations
• Maintain clean and safe stables and grounds, ensuring that all equipment and facilities are in good condition
• Order and manage inventory of supplies, including feed, bedding, and grooming tools
• Recruit, train, and supervise barn staff to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards of horse care
• Manage stable finances, including budgeting for horse care expenses and handling billing for boarding clients
• Communicate effectively with horse owners, staff, and other professionals in the horse industry

 

Horse Barn Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Horse Barn Manager to oversee the daily operations of our equestrian facility.

The role includes handling a variety of tasks, including maintaining facilities, ensuring horses’ health and welfare, and coordinating with staff and clients.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of equine care, strong management skills, and a passion for horses.

The role requires a hands-on individual who can prioritize horse well-being and ensure the smooth running of our facility.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage all daily operations of the horse barn
• Ensure the health and welfare of all horses under their care
• Coordinate with veterinarians for regular health checks and emergency situations
• Oversee the maintenance of barn facilities and grounds
• Manage staff, including scheduling, training, and performance management
• Handle client relations, including boarding contracts and riding lessons
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and procedures
• Plan and supervise feeding and exercise routines for the horses
• Monitor and purchase barn supplies as needed
• Coordinate horse show participation and transportation

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Horse Barn Manager or similar role
• Strong knowledge of equine care and barn management
• Ability to handle physical demands of the job, including lifting heavy loads and working in all weather conditions
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Good communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and effectively
• High school diploma; degree in animal science or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horse Barn Manager
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a barn environment with regular outdoor work. Physical demands include lifting heavy loads and handling horses.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Owner or Stable Operations Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• 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 a Horse Barn Manager Do?

A Horse Barn Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a barn or stable that houses horses.

They ensure the well-being and health of the horses by organizing feeding schedules, maintaining clean stalls, and arranging for regular veterinary checks.

They coordinate with stable hands and other barn staff to make sure all horses are exercised according to their needs and that the barn is kept in optimal condition.

They may also assist in training horses and preparing them for equestrian events.

Horse Barn Managers are also tasked with managing the supplies needed for the barn, such as hay, feed, and bedding, and ensuring that necessary equipment is available and in good condition.

In some cases, the Horse Barn Manager may also communicate with horse owners regarding the care and status of their animals.

They may also be responsible for hiring, training, and supervising barn staff, as well as managing the budget for the barn.

Above all, a Horse Barn Manager is responsible for creating a safe and healthy environment for horses, staff, and visitors to the barn.

 

Horse Barn Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Horse Barn Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with the position, such as:

• Strong knowledge of horse care, including feeding, grooming, and health issues. This includes an understanding of horse behavior and signs of distress.
• Organizational skills to manage the daily operations of a horse barn effectively, including scheduling, budgeting, and maintaining records.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly address and resolve issues that may arise in the barn, from equipment malfunction to health problems in horses.
• Good physical health and stamina to handle labor-intensive tasks such as cleaning stalls, lifting heavy feed bags, and handling horses.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage staff, interact with horse owners, veterinarians, and other service providers, and to ensure clear and open lines of communication at all times.
• Leadership skills to supervise and guide barn staff, including setting work schedules, assigning tasks, and ensuring that all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Basic veterinary skills to provide first-aid to horses in case of an emergency or injury.
• Experience with riding and handling horses, as well as the ability to teach these skills to others.

 

Horse Barn Manager Experience Requirements

Horse Barn Managers are usually required to have a significant amount of practical experience in equine management.

This can range from 3 to 5 years of direct experience in roles such as Stable Hand, Groom, or Riding Instructor.

Entry-level candidates may have gained experience through internships or part-time work at a horse barn or equestrian center.

These candidates may have also gained experience through academic study in equine science or a related field.

Horse Barn Managers are often required to have hands-on horse care experience, including feeding, grooming, health assessment, and basic veterinary care.

Experience in managing other staff, scheduling, and budgeting is also beneficial.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a deep understanding of horse behavior, stable management, and equine nutrition.

They may also have experience managing a team, overseeing barn maintenance, and coordinating events or competitions.

Those with more than 10 years of experience often have extensive management and leadership experience.

They may have managed large equestrian facilities, overseen significant events, or handled complex budgeting and logistics tasks.

These individuals are often considered for senior managerial positions within large equestrian centers.

 

Horse Barn Manager Education and Training Requirements

Horse Barn Managers typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent, although a degree in equine science, animal science, or a related field would be highly beneficial.

Experience working with horses is usually a prerequisite, and many Horse Barn Managers gain this experience through internships, volunteering, or employment at stables, riding schools, or veterinary clinics.

Knowledge of horse nutrition, equine diseases, and basic veterinary care is needed, and this can be learned through formal education programs or hands-on experience.

Most employers require Horse Barn Managers to have proven skills in horse handling and riding.

This can be demonstrated through relevant certifications such as Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) or American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) certifications.

While not always required, a driving license that permits the operation of horse trailers can be beneficial.

Further, knowledge of farm machinery and equipment, as well as basic maintenance skills, can also be advantageous.

Lastly, those aspiring to progress in this field may pursue advanced training and certifications in areas such as equine facility management, equine reproductive management, and equine nutrition.

 

Horse Barn Manager Salary Expectations

A Horse Barn Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $37,849 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors such as the size and location of the barn, the number of horses under management, and the individual’s level of experience and qualifications.

 

Horse Barn Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horse Barn Manager need?

A Horse Barn Manager should possess strong leadership and organizational skills to manage daily operations, including feeding and grooming horses, maintaining barn cleanliness, and supervising staff.

They should have a deep understanding of horse behavior, health, and dietary needs.

Additionally, they must have communication skills to interact with staff, trainers, veterinarians, and horse owners.

 

Do Horse Barn Managers need any specific education or certification?

Although no specific degree is required, a degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, or a related field could be beneficial.

Additionally, certification from a recognized equine management program could provide an edge.

Most importantly, hands-on experience in managing a horse barn is often crucial.

 

What should you look for in a Horse Barn Manager’s resume?

Look for experience in horse care, including grooming, feeding, and understanding horse behavior.

Any experience managing or supervising staff is also significant.

Formal education or training in equine care or management is a plus.

Ensure that the candidate has a proven track record of responsibility, as the job often involves overseeing all aspects of a barn’s daily operations.

 

What qualities make a good Horse Barn Manager?

A good Horse Barn Manager is passionate about horses and their well-being.

They should be detail-oriented, responsible, and able to anticipate the needs of the horses and the barn.

Leadership and good communication skills are essential for managing staff and interacting with horse owners and other stakeholders.

They should also be physically fit, as the job involves a lot of manual work.

 

What are the physical demands of a Horse Barn Manager job?

The role of a Horse Barn Manager is physically demanding as it often involves feeding and grooming horses, mucking out stalls, lifting heavy items like hay bales or feed bags, and being on their feet for long hours.

The job also requires working outdoors in all types of weather.

Therefore, physical fitness and stamina are important for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it!

Today, we’ve unraveled the true nature of being a horse barn manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about handling horses.

It’s about curating an environment for equine care and development, one stable at a time.

With our go-to horse barn manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to saddle up.

But why stop there?

Go the extra furlong with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards impeccably crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every decision you make shapes the wellbeing of the horses in your care.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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