Compassionate Horse Trainer – Independent Contractor

Animal Rescue League of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa seeks a Horse Trainer as an independent contractor to support Second Chance Ranch in Des Moines. The position is on-site, with schedule established by a written contract and emphasizes humane, low-stress training methods and individualized plans.

The role includes evaluating horses, implementing training plans, handling horses safely, documenting progress, and providing demonstrations to staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• At least one year of professional animal care, equine handling, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience training horses using humane, low-stress methods.
• Strong understanding of equine behavior, body language, learning theory, and stress indicators.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate horses’ handling abilities, behavior, confidence, and training needs.
• Develop and implement individualized training plans with the Director of Shelter Operations.
• Use humane, low-stress, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
• Build foundational skills: haltering, leading, groundwork, feet, desensitization, loading into trailers.
• Support behavioral rehabilitation for horses with fear, stress, or challenges.
• Document training sessions, progress, observations, and recommendations accurately.
• Communicate progress and safety concerns to ranch leadership.
• Provide demonstrations and guidance to staff and volunteers.

Skills

Horse handling

Communication

Documentation

Driver's license

Education

Experience in equine handling

Tools

Horse trailers

Job description

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa seeks a Horse Trainer as an independent contractor to support Second Chance Ranch in Des Moines. The position is on-site, with schedule established by a written contract and emphasizes humane, low-stress training methods and individualized plans.

The role includes evaluating horses, implementing training plans, handling horses safely, documenting progress, and providing demonstrations to staff and volunteers.