Barn Manager

Job Summary

The Barn Manager plays a crucial role in supporting the horse care, barn operations and basic ground maintenance for Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR). This position is responsible for providing equine care, maintaining the barn's cleanliness and organization, and assisting with various tasks related to horse care and property management. The Barn Manager will work closely with the Program Director, Program Manager, Equine Trainer and Handler, instructors, and volunteers to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the therapy horses.

This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds and to work outdoors in all weather conditions. This position requires the ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers, the ability to take direction and then work to complete tasks independently. The Barn Manager requires knowledge of and comfort with horses and horse care. The Barn Manager is required to reside in a designated 3-bedroom, 2-bath, single family home adjacent to SDTR’s property.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. A schedule to perform tasks will be determined by employer and employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Horse Care:

1. Provide basic horse care and assistance to ensure horse safety. These tasks may include, but not be limited to the following:
2. Executes equine feeding according to each horse’s dietary plan. Feeds the herd their breakfast (up to) 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
3. Feed horses providing feed, medications, and hay; clean feed bowls.
4. Soak hay, clean and refill water buckets ensuring all horses have clean, plentiful water. 
5. Put on or take off blankets, fly sheets and fly masks (seasonal).
6. Turn horses out to the proper pasture and/or return to the barn.
7. Groom and bathe horses regularly.
8. Administer medications and supplements as directed by the Program Director or veterinary staff.

Horse Health Monitoring:

1. Identify and report any signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior in therapy horses to the Program Director or appropriate staff.
2. Collaborate with the Program Director and veterinary staff to ensure timely veterinary care and vaccinations.
3. Maintain communication boards with updated feed, medication, and turnout information.
4. Responsible for holding horses for the farrier and wellness exams.
5. Provide equine first aid as directed by staff or veterinarian.
6. Oversee and implement equine medical needs as prescribed by veterinarian.
7. Maintain equine records for each therapy horse in accordance with SDTR policies and standards.

Barn Operations:

1. Clean and maintain the barn and facilities to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for the horses, staff, and volunteers.
2. Monitor and manage the supply of shavings, feed, hay, and other barn resources.
3. Restock hay from hay barn; maintain a minimum of eight bales in horse barn.
4. Conduct weekly inspections of the barn and equipment; report any safety issues or repair needs.
5. Clean all stalls; dump water buckets, add shavings.
6. Maintain clean feed room and excess storage areas.
7. Perform late evening walk through barn to check hay and water buckets and inspect facility and horses. Report any issues to supervisor. Night check time to be determined by Program Director
8. Close and latch gate near road at night; unlatch and open gate in the morning.

Ground Maintenance:

1. Maintain overall appearance of grounds including mowing, weed control, arena/pasture/outdoor footing and basic snow shoveling.
2. Remove trash and recycling; bring receptacles to curb and return.

Equine Supplies and Equipment:

1. Assist in organizing and maintaining the inventory of horse-related supplies and equipment.
2. Responsible for ordering needed feed and supplies from assigned locations.

Safety and Compliance:

1. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines related to horse handling, barn operations, and therapeutic riding activities.
2. Ensure compliance with SDTR policies and procedures, including those related to horse care and participant safety.

Communication and Teamwork:

1. Maintain open, respectful communication with the Executive Director, Program Director, Program Manager, Equine Trainer and Handler, instructors, volunteers, and other barn staff.
2. The Barn Manager collaborates closely with the Program Director, Program Manager, and Equine Trainer and Handler to ensure daily care routines, conditioning plans and barn operations align with veterinary orders, individualized care plans and training objectives.
3. Collaborate with other team members to support smooth barn operations and program success.
4. Attend regular meetings with Program Director and Executive Director.
5. Serve as the point of contact for Level 1 Horse Care volunteers for notifications, providing guidance or assistance. Cover horse care shifts when volunteer coverage is unavailable.
6. Contact Program Director regarding any horse-related concern or emergency.

Other Requirements:

1. Barn Manager must be on the premises every night unless prior approval is granted by the Executive Director or Program Director.
2. This employment agreement is between SDTR and the Barn Manager only; duties may not be delegated to others.
3. Must pass an agency background and credit check.
4. Must comply with all provisions of the SDTR Employee Handbook.

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Minimum three (3) years of related experience in barn management, equine care and health.
3. Must possess a current, valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

1. Proficient using Microsoft Office and email.
2. Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting hay bales, mucking stalls, and assisting with horse handling.
3. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain a clean, organized barn.
4. Effective communication and teamwork skills.
5. Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
6. Commitment to SDTR’s mission and to supporting individuals with disabilities through therapeutic riding.