Equestrian Trail Guide I – Flex

Biltmore Company; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Biltmore Company seeks a Trail Guide to lead horse-based experiences and provide world-class guest service at the estate. This flex role averages 20–29 hours weekly, including weekend shifts, with responsibilities spanning horse handling, trail ride supervision, and tack maintenance.

Candidates should have at least 1 year of equestrian experience, strong communication skills, and a valid driver’s license. First Aid/CPR certification is required or obtainable, with a commitment to safety and

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of equestrian-related experience.
• Two years of leading trail rides preferred.
• Knowledgeable in equestrian care and health issues.
• Strong guest service mindset and communication skills.
• Must have or obtain First Aid, AED and CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Must be 18 years or older and able to work weekends.

Responsibilities

• Select and catch horses for daily rides.
• Inspect horses daily for soreness or health concerns.
• Lead trail rides for guests according to schedule.
• Maintain tack, saddles, and feedlot areas.
• Assist with horse health and safety checks on the trail.
• Provide excellent guest experience and safety.
• Support department leadership and operations as needed.

Skills

Trail rides

Horse care

Guest service

Communication

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

Job Description

Flex: A position working an average of 20-29 hours per week (between 1000 - 1559 hours/year).

Trail Guides work as a team in providing the highest possible levels of care for the horses and create world class equestrian experiences for guests. Duties include: general care, feeding and watering for the trail horses; daily cleaning and maintenance of the feedlot, catch corral and mounting corral; cleaning and maintenance for saddles and tack for the trail rides program; and assisting the farrier and vets in providing horse health care as needed. Additional duties may also include fence, pasture and trail maintenance as needed. The incumbent will also be expected to provide general assistance and support for the department, leadership, and company.

Schedule may vary, but hours are generally 7:45am - 6:15pm Friday - Monday.

Weekend availability required.

Requirements:

1. High school diploma (or GED). Additional education, training, and/or certification(s) related to the equestrian field preferred.
2. At least one (1) years of related equestrian experience.
3. The ideal candidate will have two (2) years of experience in leading trail rides and working with riders of all experience levels.
4. Should be knowledgeable in equestrian care and be able to anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot health issues.
5. Demonstrated commitment to the delivery of world class internal and external guest service.
6. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; must be comfortable in and effective at communicating clearly with guests, vendors, and other audiences.
7. Must be able to quickly acquire knowledge of the history of the estate and the Asheville area.
8. Ability to be proactive and take initiative; should be able exercise good judgment in anticipating and addressing issues.
9. Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills are a must. Should be able to prioritize work and adjust as necessary.
10. Applicants must have or be able to obtain First Aid, AED and CPR certification.
11. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and be at least 18 years of age.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to lift 60 lbs constantly and be able to endure long days of lifting, walking and physical exertion involved with riding for extended periods of time.
2. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead and below.
3. Must be able to have the range of motion necessary to safely saddle, mount, and ride horses.
4. Ability to work outside in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Select and catch appropriate horses to work each day.
2. Carefully inspect each and every horse daily looking for any signs of soreness, lameness or other health concern.
3. Seek professional advice as required.
4. Prepare mounts and lead trail rides for guests according to daily schedule.
5. Inspect trail on a regular basis looking for any potential hazards, e.g. poor drainage causing wash outs or erosion holes, blow-down limbs, trash, etc. Correct immediately if possible or report situation to Director of Outdoor Programs.
6. Check in with the ticket host prior to each scheduled ride and warmly greet guests as they arrive.
7. Clean saddles and tack as needed.
8. Always maintain a level of preparedness in order to respond to any unforeseen emergency, either on the trail or at the barn.
9. Remove manure and debris from mounting corral, feedlot and around the barn as needed throughout the day.
10. Feed and water trail horses according to daily schedule.
11. Complete incident reports as needed, review with supervisor and send to Human Resources.
12. Support the Carriage Program staff to help in keeping all the guest areas as clean and inviting as possible.