Equine Facilities Hand
Location: Foothills, AB
Employment type: Full-time
Compensation: Annual Salary, depending on experience
Reports to: Facilities Manager
Start date: Immediately
About the Operation
We are a private equestrian facility running both English and Western programs. We have a growing 12-horse herd working across hunter, jumper, and cow horse disciplines, so the horses in our care range from finished show mounts to green horses in training.
This is a small, close-knit team. We take horse welfare seriously, keep the barn calm and professional, and expect discretion about the property.
Position Summary
The Equine Facilities Hand is responsible for the daily care of the horses and the upkeep of the barn, paddocks, and surrounding facilities. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is comfortable and confident handling horses of varying ages, temperaments, and training levels, and who takes pride in a well-run barn.
Please Read Before Applying
This is a year-round, professional barn position. It is not a seasonal job, a co-op placement, or a working-student arrangement. Please confirm you can meet all the following before applying:
- Full-time hours commitment. We are not hiring for the summer, a semester, or a term placement. We are looking to hire for the long term.
- Fixed, non-negotiable availability. The schedule includes early mornings and a rotating weekend and holiday roster. Shifts cannot be built around other commitments.
- This is a paid position, not a riding opportunity. Compensation will be in the form of wages. This role does not include lessons, coaching, training time, or work-in-exchange-for-saddle-time arrangements.
- Prior paid or professional barn experience is required. Experience as a lesson student, camper, leaser, or recreational owner does not on its own meet this requirement.
Key Responsibilities
- Feed and water per individual feed charts; monitor intake and report changes
- Turn out and bring in safely, respecting turnout groups and routines
- Groom, pick feet, blanket for weather, manage fly protection in season, and administer routine medications and supplements as directed
- Monitor for injury, lameness, heat, swelling, or changes in behaviour or appetite
- Tack and untack for both English and Western riders using each horse's assigned equipment, checking for wear, damage, or poor fit before every ride
- Hold horses for the farrier, veterinarian, body worker, and trainers
- Clean stalls, strip and re-bed on schedule, and keep stabling clean, dry, and well ventilated
- Keep aisleways, tack rooms, feed rooms, and wash racks clean, organized, and safe
- Drag and water arenas; maintain footing as directed
- Check and repair fencing, gates, waterers, and latches; assist with paddock maintenance, manure management, and seasonal yard work
- Share evening and late-night barn checks on a rotating basis, confirming water, hay, blankets, gates, and lights and checking each horse for colic, cast horses, injury, or distress
- Assist with loading, unloading, and preparing horses and equipment for shows, clinics, and off-site work
- Follow all barn protocols, including emergency and fire procedures
Qualifications Required
- Demonstrated experience handling and caring for horses in a barn or farm setting
- Confident, safe, and quiet handling of horses in both English and Western contexts
- Ability to recognize early signs of illness, injury, or distress
- Physically able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, stand and walk for extended periods, and work outdoors in all Alberta weather
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver's licence
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis
- Experience operating a UTV, or manure spreader
- Experience with young or green horses
- Trailer loading and hauling experience
- Show or clinic support experience
What We Offer
- Competitive wage & benefits
- Steady, year-round work at a well-maintained private facility
- A respectful, drama-free work environment with a team that supports each other
Benefits:
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
