Stallion Handler - Stud Groom

Westbury Stud; Franklin; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Westbury Stud is seeking a skilled Stallion Handler to join a team in Karaka, responsible for the care of six stallions and assisting in a renowned breeding program. The role requires prior experience, strong horse husbandry skills, and offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Work-life balance with 4 days off every fortnight

Onsite accommodation

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience with breeding stallions.
• Strong general horse care and husbandry skills.
• Experience presenting mares for live covers.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and handling of stallions.
• Monitor stallion health, feeding and grooming.
• Support vet and farrier visits.

Skills

Horse care

Calm under pressure

Proactive work ethic

Job description

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For over 20 years, Westbury Stud has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry, breeding elite racehorses that succeed on the global stage.

We’re looking for a skilled and dedicated Stallion Handler to join our team. This hands-on role involves working with our current line-up of six stallions and supporting the continued success of our breeding programme. Based in Karaka, this is your chance to help breed the champions of tomorrow.

This is not an entry-level position—prior experience handling breeding stallions is essential.

Why Westbury?

• Work-life balance: Our roster offers 4 days off every fortnight, even during the breeding season (10 day roster as opposed to a 12 day roster each fortnight)

• Competitive salary tailored to your experience

• Onsite accommodation and professional development such as mentoring and internal and external professional development opportunities

• Be part of a team dedicated to producing champions

The Role Includes:

During the breeding season:

• Daily care and handling of stallions

• Handling mares and stallions in the serving barn

• Teasing broodmares and supporting breeding procedures

• Monitoring stallion health, feeding, grooming, mucking out and paddock rotations

• Maintaining animal health records and reporting concerns

• Supporting vet and farrier visits

• Ensuring hygiene in stables and covering sheds

• Parading stallions for clients and guests

Outside breeding season:

• Foal weaning and early handling

• Educating yearlings for sales (leading, loading, walker use, etc.)

• Horse grooming, feeding, mucking out, and stable care

• Supporting yearling prep and client parades

• Ongoing horse management and general stud duties

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has at least 2 years’ experience working with breeding stallions, specifically in a serving barn environment

• Is confident and calm around large, unpredictable horses

• Has proven experience presenting mares for live covers

• Takes pride in their role and works hard at taking first-class care of the horses in their care

• Has strong general horse care and husbandry skills

• Has a proactive and reliable work ethic

• Is flexible to work weekends, early mornings, and evenings as needed

• Brings a collaborative mindset and clear communication skills – can actively contribute to a positive, productive team dynamic

• Has a genuine interest in professional growth

Details

This is a full-time, role averaging 80 hours per fortnight, with hours typically 7:30am – 4:30pm on a ten-on, four-off roster with additional shifts during the breeding season to accommodate early or late coverings.

Start date is flexible – immediate start available or by mutual agreement.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about stallion care and want to be part of a high-performing, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

All applications must be submitted through our HR platform using the ‘Quick Apply’ link below.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

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