Horse Trainer Independent Contract

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

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Horse Trainer Independent Contract

Temporary Des Moines, IA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1376

This is an independent contractor engagement rather than an employment position. The anticipated schedule and number of training hours will be established through a written independent contractor agreement based on program needs and contractor availability.

Services will primarily be performed on-site at the ARL’s Second Chance Ranch.

About Second Chance Ranch

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s Second Chance Ranch provides specialized care, rehabilitation, and placement services for horses and other barn animals. The program supports animals with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and training needs while helping prepare them for safe and successful placement.

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate horses’ current handling abilities, behavior, confidence, and training needs.
• Develop and implement individualized training plans in collaboration with the Director of Shelter Operations.
• Use humane, low-stress, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
• Build foundational skills such as haltering, leading, groundwork, picking up feet, desensitization, loading into trailers, and safely navigating new environments.
• Support behavioral rehabilitation for horses experiencing fear, stress, limited socialization, or handling challenges.
• Document training sessions, progress, behavioral observations, and recommendations accurately and promptly.
• Communicate progress, safety concerns, and recommended next steps to Second Chance Ranch leadership.
• Provide demonstrations, education, or guidance to designated staff and volunteers to promote consistency in approved handling and training practices.
• Support veterinarians and ranch staff with safe horse handling during examinations, treatments, procedures, and routine medical care, as requested.
• Operate trucks with horse trailers, utility vehicles, and other ranch equipment when authorized and necessary.
• Maintain a safe and organized training environment and follow applicable ARL safety, animal care, and biosecurity expectations.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with ARL staff, volunteers, adopters, and members of the public.

What We’re Looking For

• At least one year of professional animal care, equine handling, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience training horses using humane, low-stress, or positive reinforcement-based methods.
• Strong understanding of equine behavior, body language, learning theory, and stress indicators.
• Ability to assess training needs and adapt techniques based on an individual horse’s behavior and progress.
• Confidence handling horses with limited training, uncertain backgrounds, or behavioral challenges.
• Strong communication, judgment, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in physically and emotionally demanding situations.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Experience safely operating horse trailers, utility vehicles, and ranch equipment is preferred.
• Basic computer and data-entry skills.

The selected contractor may be required to provide proof of applicable business registration, insurance coverage, professional references, and other documentation outlined in the independent contractor agreement.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Contracted services may require:

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and performing physically demanding activities for extended periods.
• Working outdoors in hot, cold, wet, muddy, or otherwise changing weather conditions.
• Working around large animals, animal waste, odors, dust, moderate noise, and animals that may bite, kick, strike, pull, or behave unpredictably.
• Safely entering stalls, paddocks, arenas, trailers, and other ranch environments.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment and following established safety practices.

Why Work With the ARL?

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to creating better outcomes for animals through compassionate care, responsible rehabilitation, and thoughtful placement. As a contracted Horse Trainer, you will have the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of rescue horses while collaborating with a team dedicated to their safety and long-term success.

Independent Contractor Relationship

This opportunity is intended to be performed under a written independent contractor agreement. Nothing in this posting or the resulting agreement is intended to create an employer-employee relationship. The contractor will be responsible for applicable taxes, insurance, licenses, expenses, and other obligations associated with operating as an independent contractor, as further described in the agreement.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa provides reasonable access and accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities when required for participation in its contractor selection process. Individuals requiring an accommodation may contact the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to discuss their needs.