Rider

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in Lexington, KY is seeking part-time Riders to help train and condition horses for second careers.

You will ride daily, assess horses, work with trainers, and document progress. The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, outdoor work, and reliable transportation.

Join a compassionate team dedicated to humane horsemanship and successful adoptions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of riding experience with green horses, preferably including off-track Thoroughbreds.
• Strong understanding of flatwork, basic dressage, and/or jumping principles
• Ability to handle a variety of equine temperaments confidently and safely
• Commitment to humane, patient and ethical horsemanship
• Physical ability to ride multiple horses daily and perform related barn duties that involve lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required
• Team-oriented attitude and effective communication skills

Responsibilities

• Ride or exercise assigned horses according to New Vocations’ retraining program and individual horse needs
• Assess horses’ abilities, temperament, and progress to help determine suitable post-racing careers
• Work collaboratively with trainers, barn staff and management to ensure consistent care and training approaches
• Maintain accurate training notes and progress updates in the program database
• Assist in evaluating new arrivals and developing individualized retraining plans
• Handle horses safely on the ground, including leading, grooming, tacking, bathing and assisting with veterinary or farrier appointments as needed
• Participate in photo/video sessions and adoption appointments
• Communicate observations about each horse’s health, soundness, or behavioral changes promptly to management
• Support facility operations and team needs as assigned (e.g., turnout, feeding or general barn tasks when needed)

Skills

Riding experience

Flatwork knowledge

Horse temperament handling

Humane horsemanship

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Reliable transportation

Teamwork & communication

Job description

Job Title

RIDER at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

719 Dolan Ln, Lexington, KY 40511

Summary

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is seeking candidates for part-time Riders at our Lexington, KY facility. Riders report to the Kentucky Facility Trainer and are responsible for daily riding, conditioning, and training to prepare each horse for a successful transition into second careers and adoptive homes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Ride or exercise assigned horses according to New Vocations’ retraining program and individual horse needs
• Assess horses’ abilities, temperament, and progress to help determine suitable post-racing careers
• Work collaboratively with trainers, barn staff and management to ensure consistent care and training approaches
• Maintain accurate training notes and progress updates in the program database
• Assist in evaluating new arrivals and developing individualized retraining plans
• Handle horses safely on the ground, including leading, grooming, tacking, bathing and assisting with veterinary or farrier appointments as needed
• Participate in photo/video sessions and adoption appointments
• Communicate observations about each horses’ health, soundness, or behavioral changes promptly to management
• Support facility operations and team needs as assigned (e.g., turnout, feeding or general barn tasks when needed)

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds for moving hay, grain, shavings, etc. and ride multiple horses per day.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment can be very loud.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of riding experience with green horses, preferably including off-track Thoroughbreds
• Strong understanding of flatwork, basic dressage, and/or jumping principles
• Ability to handle a variety of equine temperaments confidently and safely
• Commitment to humane, patient and ethical horsemanship
• Physical ability to ride multiple horses daily and perform related barn duties that involve lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required
• Team-oriented attitude and effective communication skills

Preferred

• Experience retraining off-track racehorses or working in a professional training environment
• Familiarity with adoption or equine rescue organizations
• Basic knowledge of soundness evaluation, conditioning and equine nutrition