Wrangler/ Lesson Assistant

Poway CA

Description

Under general supervision, performs activities related to the instruction of riders and the care/boarding of horses and the care/maintenance of stable facilities, and surrounding grounds. Responsible for the care of horses; schedules use, maintains records related to program activities; assists the Equestrian Center Manager in overall management of equestrian programs including specialized programs. The Equestrian Center operates on a 7 day per week schedule including evening, weekends and holidays. This position involves manual labor. Illustrative Examples of Work -Participates in/coordinates the instructional activities of riders, seasonal workers/volunteers engaging in riding programs and the care of horses. -Provides leadership and coordination for equine-assisted mental health, learning, and wellness programs. -Provides both individual and group instruction on safe riding practices and techniques, grooming, saddling, and related horse care, horse behavior and the recognition of behavioral or attitude problems to persons with special needs and their caregiver/s and others with varying riding experience and familiarity with horses; demonstrates special mounting and dismounting techniques; provides suggestions to riders to improve their skills. -Selects and prepares horses for lessons, assessing each horse to determine its suitability for the type of lesson being offered and the special needs of the rider; continually evaluates and identifies any potential behavioral or health issues impacting the horse’s suitability for lessons, takes remedial actions as necessary. -Implements curriculum for basic riding skills instruction and horsemanship; utilizes creative teaching techniques directed at the needs of persons. Continually evaluates the suitability of the instruction to the needs of the rider; modifies plans as required to adjust to changing needs. -Collects, maintains and prepares documents and records including but not limited to release forms, fee payments, lesson attendance, rider progress, horse health and behavior, and facilities/premises safety. -Brushes, trims, curries coat of horses; inspects animals for evidence of disease/injury; administers medication/treats animal in accordance with instruction. -Maintains stalls including water/feeding equipment; feeds/waters/exercises animals. -Monitors/evaluates facilities/premises to ensure they are safe/well maintained; identifies safety hazards; takes immediate corrective action to eliminate hazards. -Leads Trail rides. -Performs related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -Knowledge of proper care/grooming of horses. -Knowledge of treatment of common horse diseases/injuries. -Knowledge of safe horseback riding practices and techniques. -Skill in horseback riding. -Ability to identify disease or injury to horses. -Ability to recognize behavioral problems with horses. -Ability to successfully match riders with suitable horses. -Ability to recognize capabilities and limitations of riders. -Ability to effectively demonstrate proper riding and horse grooming techniques to persons with varying riding experience and familiarity with horses. -Ability to effectively adjust to new/changing techniques in working with horses and/or riders. -Ability to effectively handle horses. -Ability to ride a horse. -Ability to identify potential safety hazards/take appropriate action. -Ability to collect information, maintain accurate records and prepare reports. -Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, care givers, persons with emotional, mental and/or physical disabilities and the general public. -Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. -Ability to administer medication in accordance with instructions from the Barn Supervisor. -Ability to lift/carry hay/feed/supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. -Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time. -Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions. -Ability to obtain/maintain certification in CPR and First Aid. -Ability to multi-task and alter priorities at short notice Qualifications Previous experience in a leadership role appreciated · Must possess effective communications skills · A positive attitude, willingness to go above and beyond for guests and a sense of humor are appreciated · Equine experience required High School diploma or equivalent required Minimum 3 years’ experience in an Instructional or hospitatlity setting Excellent communication, interpersonal and team-building skills Organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment Results-oriented Heavy lifting (must be able to lift 75 lbs.) · Able to work outside in all elements · Able to work flexible and demanding hours · Must be able to walk on various terrain A criminal background check is required. Availability: Full time or Part time may include nights, weekends and holidays