Barn Assistant
Brookfield Farm Overview
Brookfield is a 1,500+ acre farm located in Eastern Fayette and Western Clark Counties, just outside of Lexington, KY. Brookfield is committed to pursuing excellence and loving the land everyday, as generational agri- business specializing in the raising of Black Baldie cattle, row-crop cultivation, and natural resource conservation, To learn more, please visit www.brookfieldfarmky.com.
Brookfield Stables is located on Brookfield Farm, and is a private equine operation that manages the training and care of the van Nagell family’s field-hunter horses. The van Nagell family is an active and longstanding member of the Iroquois Hunt Club, with Dr. Jack van Nagell serving as a joint-master of foxhounds since 1996, and Knox van Nagell Pfister serving as a joint-master of foxhounds since 2023 for the club. In addition, both of Knox’s children also regularly fox-hunt. Christine Kennedy is the manager of Brookfield Stables, and has been expertly running the operation since 2011.
Barn Assistant Role & Job Responsibilities
Brookfield Stable prides itself on having one of the best field-hunter operations in the region—with a steadfast commitment to the conscientious management and training of its horses, and safety of its riders. An attention to detail, the efficient and thorough completion of tasks, a comprehensive understanding of how best to care for field-hunters, and the responsible stewardship of the van Nagell’s property are the pillars of Brookfield Stable’s success. The Barn Assistant must exemplify these qualities in his/her daily job responsibilities.
Specifically, the Barn Assistant will report directly to manager Christine Kennedy, and he/she will ensure that daily operations run smoothly.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Feeding horses and providing veterinary treatment (as needed);
- Grooming horses in preparation for daily activities—exercising, training, and showing in the summer; fox-hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (weather permitting) from September-March;
- Exercising horses;
- Hunting horses as a groom for the van Nagell family during hunt season;
- Holding horses for farrier and veterinarians;
- Trailering horses;
- Cleaning and maintaining tack;
- Retrieving general supplies; and
- Cleaning the stalls, barn, and equipment daily.
Manager Christine Kennedy will supervise and direct these activities.
Through this work, the Barn Assistant will have the opportunity to learn the art and science of running an outstanding field-hunter operation in Central Kentucky. He/she will be a part of a close-knit community that is most fortunate to participate in the sport of mounted fox-hunting.
The Barn Assistant must provide his/her own saddle, riding clothes, outdoor ware, cell-phone and reliable transportation to and from work.
The Barn Assistant will report directly to Christine Kennedy, and typical work hours will be Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., & 3:00-6:00 p.m. Weekends, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00pm-5:00 p.m.
Schedule hours will vary during hunt season (September – March).
Skills
A successful Barn Assistant must have experience in cross country riding; sound knowledge in horse care and rider safety; the safe operation of trucks and horse trailers; and the labor practices needed to run a clean, efficient, and healthy horse barn.
As a representative and member of Brookfield Stables, the Barn Assistant must possess integrity, reliability, sobriety and honesty…conducting him or herself in a mannerly and professional fashion at all times. A tidy appearance and gracious disposition while at work and in public is a must.
An eagerness to learn, problem-solve and get the job done right are key qualities. He/she must also possess a strong work ethic and the ability to multi-task, follow-through with attention to detail, be communicative, and act with the utmost respect for others.
A clean driving record, drug screening, and at least five years of equine experience are required.
All activities related to Brookfield Stables are confidential. Posting Brookfield Farm and/or Brookfield Stable imagery and/or activities on social media or other online sources; sharing Brookfield operational details and/or van Nagell family business, and/or promoting gossip in the community are strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate termination.
Tardiness and unexcused absences from work are not tolerated, and grounds for immediate termination.
Only van Nagell-family horses are permitted at Brookfield Stables. No public boarding is available.
Compensation
- Salary and health benefits negotiable based on qualifications & experience.
- 10 days paid time-off, per year. In the first year, Barn Assistant must work at least three months before taking paid time off. Schedule is subject to approval of Pfister and Barn Manager.
- 8 sick days, per year. Schedule is subject to approval of Pfister and Barn Manager.
- Use of farm truck and trailer for work purposes during work hours.
- Two days off a week, during off season from hunting; one day off a week during hunt season.
** Growth opportunities with Brookfield Stables are available with tenure.
Contact
Mrs. Christine Kennedy, Manager
Brookfield Stables
859.608.2544
* Only serious inquiries please. Have references and resume available upon request.
