Equine Assistant

True Friends; Maple Lake (MN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership development opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Employee Referral Program

Scenic work environment

3% employer retirement match

Job summary

True Friends is seeking an Equine Assistant to support therapists and the Equine Coordinator in caring for riders and horses at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. The role involves grooming, tacking, mounting support, and leading sessions to create a safe, engaging environment for participants.

Compensation is $14.67 per hour with opportunities to develop leadership skills, a strong work-life balance, and a 3% employer match retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass an organizational background study.
• Must be at least 16 years of age or older.
• Able to walk/run 8-14 miles per day on various terrains alongside a horse.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Horse handling and riding experience preferred.
• Ability to handle physical aggression and challenging behaviors safely.

Responsibilities

• Assist therapists and the Equine Manager in caring for riders and horses.
• Prepare horses for lessons including grooming and tacking.
• Assist rider with mounting and dismounting.
• Lead horse during sessions and walk/run alongside horses to support rider as needed.
• Assist in leading lessons under the direction of certified staff.
• Help with feeding and general care of horses.
• Support planning and facilitation of activities, non-mounted crafts, and games.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of barns, arenas, and other program areas.
• Assist in completion of daily chore list.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Horse handling

Riding assistance

Time management

Physical endurance

Communication

Job description

Overview:Imagine a place where your love of horses and your desire to help others come together in the form of an exciting job. Working as an Equine Assistant for True Friends' Therapy and Adaptative Riding program could be the meaningful career experience you've been looking for. Come join our team and make a difference!True Friends Equine Assistant will support therapists and the Equine Coordinator in the care of riders and horses, ensuring a safe, positive, and engaging environment for all participants.

Pay: $14.67 per hour

Location:Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN

• Opportunities to gain and grow leadership skills
• Support a healthy work-life balance
• Employee Referral Program
• Scenic and inspiring work environment
• Retirement Savings Plan with opportunity for 3% Employer Match
• Fun, organization-wide Events
• Cabin Rental Discounts
• ...and more!

How You'll Contribute:

• Assist therapists and the Equine Manager in caring for riders and horses
• Prepare horses for lessons including grooming and tacking
• Assist rider with mounting and dismounting
• Lead horse during sessions and walk/run alongside horses to support rider as needed
• Assist in leading lessons under the direction of certified staff
• Help with feeding and general care of horses
• Support planning and facilitation of activities, non-mounted crafts, and games
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of barns, arenas, and other program areas
• Assist in completion of daily chore list
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring to the Table:

• Must be able to pass an organizational background study
• Must be at least 16 years of age or older
• Able to walk/run 8-14 miles per day on various terrains alongside a horse
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Horse handling and riding experience preferred
• Ability to handle physical aggression and challenging behaviors safely
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Able sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and move continually during working hours
• Able to hear and communicate verbally
• Able to feel objects and use fingers to operate tools and controls

About Us:

True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities.

True Friends' programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel; serving over 25, 000 individuals annually.