Handler

The Equinest; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equinest in Torrance, CA seeks a dedicated horse handler/groom to manage the care and grooming of horses in their charge. You will work closely with trainers and instructors to ensure horses are exercised, fed, and ready for work.

The role rewards strong animal knowledge, attention to detail, and teamwork, with responsibility for monitoring health, assisting with vet and farrier visits, and sometimes showing horses in groundwork.

Qualifications

• Experience with horses and proper grooming techniques.
• Ability to monitor health and behavior changes.
• Willingness to work with trainers and instructors.

Responsibilities

• Monitor horses for soundness and health changes.
• Administer prescribed medications as directed by supervisors.
• Provide general first aid and care.
• Follow feeding and supplement schedules.
• Groom, catch, and tack horses for riding.
• Ensure horses receive adequate exercise.
• Assist with vet and farrier visits.
• Occasionally accompany horses to competitions.
• May participate in groundwork demonstrations.

Skills

Horse handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The handler is responsible for the control and grooming of a horse in their charge. Depending on the size of the establishment, duties of a groom and handlers can overlap to a large degree.

Handlers are expected to be the authority on their horse charges and probably spend the most time with each animal over all. This is a position which benefits from an in-depth knowledge of horses, keen attention to detail and an inclination for teamwork.

Experience managing horses, the ability to problem solve under pressure and a strong character are important components of a successful horse handler.

Job Description

Handlers work in conjunction with horse trainers , assistant trainers and riding instructors to ensure that each horse is properly exercised, receiving adequate care and ready for work. A great deal of time is spent directly with the animal and a strong sense of personal responsibility goes along with this job.

Responsibilities

• Watching their charges closely for soundness and health changes
• Administering prescribed medications
• General first aid
• Following supplement schedules & feeding schedules
• Catching, grooming and tacking an animal for riding
• Ensuring their charges get adequate exercise
• Supervising vet and farrier visits
• Often accompany their charges to competition
• Sometimes will show their charges in groundwork

Requirements

Some employers may require a high school diploma, but beyond that potential employers will usually be looking for someone with experience. Because this position requires a lot of personal responsibility for the animals, the application process may be rigorous & some formal education may be required in larger establishments.

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