Xenophon is a transformative, compassionate, and inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) registered charity located in serene Orinda, California. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities, and veterans of all theaters, through high quality programs of equine-assisted activities and therapies that foster confidence, connection, and growth in a safe, supportive environment. Xenophon is a certified member of PATH International and the winner of numerous international awards for our programs, staff, and herd.
OVERVIEW
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly capable Barn Manager to oversee the daily operations of our private, 9-stall therapeutic riding center in Orinda, CA.
This full-time leadership role requires significant experience managing performance horses, including conditioning, soundness management, nutrition, and coordination with veterinarians, farriers, and other equine professionals. The successful candidate will bring this level of expertise to a therapeutic riding environment, recognizing that exceptional horse care is essential to providing safe, consistent, and enriching experiences for our riders.
The Barn Manager will oversee all aspects of horse care and barn operations with some facility management, while fostering a professional, accountable, and collaborative team environment. We are looking for an organized, proactive leader who is committed to maintaining the highest standards of equine care and who takes pride in ensuring our horses thrive as valued partners in changing lives through therapeutic riding.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Equine Care and Management
Maintain each horse’s health and fitness and be able to cater exercise schedule and nutrition to the horse's individual needs.
Maintain routine medical and farrier care, maintain horse incident and training records.
Provide proposals to the Director for new or increased horse expenses.
Be available as the first responder and “go-to” person in day-to-day and emergency situations, being able to provide clear and calm instruction or support in any situation.
Order hay, supplements, and other horse-related supplies and maintain all tack/equipment used.
Prepare horses for lessons by performing regular groundwork, lunging, or rides with each horse based on their needs.
Stay up to date on PATH International standards as they relate to equine workload, care, and handling.
Training
Select, test, and train new horses for programs.
Oversee usage of horses in programs, ensuring they are performing at their best.
Be available to assist horse handlers or instructors with horses during lessons as needed.
Maintain an exercise riding program for horses –– scheduling and managing exercise riders when applicable.
Train and oversee grooms, horse handlers, and longliners in tandem with Volunteer Coordinator.
Monitor grooms’, horse handler’s, and longliners’ performance and make corrections as needed.
Reporting
Communicate with staff about any horse related needs or issues.
Monitor and record exercise and lesson hours for each horse and communicate availability and overages to inform program schedule planning.
Collaborate with instructors to help select the best mount for clients based on client needs and strengths of individual horses.
Provide timely reports to the Director for board meetings as requested.
Facilities
Monitor status of manure bins and coordinate emptying with internal and external parties.
Monitor status of pastures, arenas, footing, etc and communicate with Director about issues/repairs as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of experience managing a professional equine facility, with demonstrated leadership in daily barn operations and equine exercise.
Strong knowledge of equine health and wellness, with experience coordinating care alongside veterinarians, farriers, dentists, bodyworkers, and other equine professionals.
Experience working in a therapeutic riding environment is a plus but willingness to learn about therapeutic riding programs is a must.
Compensation
$30 - $35 per hour
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Dedicated funds for continuing education
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume and professional references to [email protected]
