WNCR Horse Trainer
Job Description
New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch, Inc. (WNCR) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) horse rescue that rehabilitates and finds homes for abandoned, abused and neglected horses. Established in 2002, we have remained true to our mission of providing rescued equines with new beginnings and productive lives with loving, adoptive families. Located in Stanley, NM, we are licensed, regulated and inspected annually by the New Mexico Livestock Board and accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
The WNCR Trainers work in collaboration with other industry leaders in equine training, using safe, effective and humane training techniques. Trainers serve as members of the training team, under the guidance of the Executive Director supporting WNCR’s mission to rehabilitate and prepare horses for volunteer handling, saddle training, and adoption. This position reports to the Equine Program Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
● Develop and oversee care plans for each equine including diets and monitoring in coordination with the Equine Program Manager and training team.
● Perform training evaluations and soundness assessments on new arrivals.
● Assess safety levels and basic personality traits of horses.
● Advise and participate in identifying training pathways for each equine in collaboration with training team and Executive Director.
● Assist the training team with behavioral and adoptability assessments.
● Personally execute training, including groundwork and under-saddle work.
● Lead targeted training workshops/initiatives part of an overall training program plan, working with volunteers and related course participants.
● Create educational materials and provide mentorship to volunteer students on horse training and handling.
● Recommend new training and horse-handling opportunities that connect volunteers, partners, and key stakeholders to mission.
● Provide medical care and treatment for horses as needed under veterinary direction.
● Participate in adoption appointments to support alignment between adopter and equine.
● Serve as a visible ambassador for WNCR.
Required Qualifications
● Proven experience with successfully training wild/feral horses; this means from gentling, halter training through finish as adoptable saddle-ready horses.
● Minimum 3 years of professional equine training experience.
● Familiarity of equine behavior, anatomy and biomechanics.
● Strong foundation in safe, effective and humane training techniques.
● Experience and confidence working with horses that are feral, untrained and/or have challenging behaviors.
● Experience evaluating and assessing the training level and skills of horses with unknown backgrounds, training, or temperaments.
● Willing to continue education and work alongside other knowledgeable, experienced trainers (contractors, invited, and volunteers).
● Physically capable of working outdoors year-round, spending most of the day on your feet or in the saddle and lifting 50 lbs.
● Valid driver’s license and insurability.
● Proficient with computers and basic tech platforms.
Weekly Schedule - 30 hours/week
● Three to five days/week generally Tuesday through Saturday.
Job Conditions
WNCR sits on 30 acres, with a current herd of approximately 60 equines plus 10 boarded horses. While an indoor office is provided, most work is completed outdoors, in barns, round pens, stables and corrals with exposure to the elements including extreme outdoor temperatures, wind and dust. Considerable physical activity is necessary, and some duties may require extensive safety precautions including the use of protective equipment.
Compensation Package
● Salary range $32-$35k commensurate on experience, with merit-based raises.
● This position also provides free board for one horse on site. (value: $450 x 1 = $5,400).
To apply Send cover letter and resume to khenderson@wncr.org