Overview
Equine Instructor Jobs in Willow Springs, MO at Ozark Trails Youth Services
Equine Instructor
The Equine Instructor & Herd Manager is responsible for the safety, structure, and daily
operation of the facility’s equine program and barn. This position involves teaching
residents basic horsemanship, ground handling, and riding skills, as well as managing the
daily care and health of the resident horse herd.
Must possess exceptional equine skills, strong boundaries, and a patient demeanor. The
facility will provide comprehensive, ongoing training in trauma-informed care and
behavioral de-escalation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily.
1. Instruction & Program Delivery
- Conduct structured, safety-first horsemanship and basic riding lessons for
residents under the general supervision of clinical or program staff.
- Teach foundational skills including grooming, tacking, leading, and horse
anatomy/care.
- Maintain clear, consistent boundaries with residents, ensuring barn rules and
safety protocols are strictly enforced.
- Coordinate with the clinical and program teams to schedule resident groups and
ensure appropriate pairing of residents with specific horses.
2. Herd Management & Equine Welfare
- Oversee the daily feeding, watering, turnout, and stalling schedules for all facility
horses.
- Monitor herd health, identify injuries or illness, administer basic first
aid/medications, and coordinate veterinary and farrier care.
- Maintain horse conditioning, training, and behavioral tuning to ensure they remain
safe and predictable for beginner handlers.
- Manage barn logistics, including ordering and inventory of feed, hay, bedding, and
medical supplies.
- Ensure the barn, arenas, pastures, and tack rooms are clean, organized, safe, and
well-maintained.
3. Training & Collaborative Care
- Participate fully in facility-provided training regarding trauma-informed care,
residential safety protocols, and behavioral intervention.
- Communicate regularly with the clinical team regarding resident behavior,
participation, and progress observed during horse activities.
- Work alongside on-shift youth care workers or counselors who are present during
sessions to manage resident behavioral needs.
Qualifications & Core Competencies
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability
required.
- Equine Expertise: Minimum of 3–5 years of verifiable experience in horse
management, training, and instructing beginner riders/handlers. Deep
understanding of equine psychology and herd dynamics.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Certifications (e.g.,
Certified Horsemanship Association) are a plus but not required.
- Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to remain calm, patient, and grounded in high-
energy or stressful environments. Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Compliance: Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and
successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background check, child abuse
registry check, and drug screening.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Environment: Heavy exposure to outdoor elements including extreme heat, cold,
rain, and dust.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and walk on uneven terrain for several hours a
day.
- Hazards: Daily working proximity to large livestock, which carries inherent risks of
being stepped on, kicked, or thrown.
Pay: $400.00 – $800.00 per day
Work Location: In person
Title: Equine Instructor
Company: Ozark Trails Youth Services
Location: Willow Springs, MO
