Ranch and Equine Manager

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.

We are seeking a dedicated Ranch and Equine Manager to help advance our mission and support transformative programs that restore purpose, heal lives, and create new possibilities for the equines and community we serve.

Compensation Package

·        Salary range, starting at $45,000 commensurate on experience, with merit-based raises.

·        Onsite housing provided in 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq ft. home. Utilities provided. ($25,000 value)

·        Free boarding for up to two horses on site. ($450 x 2 = $10,800).

The Ranch and Equine Manager oversees daily ranch operations and supports organizational priorities under the direction of the Executive Director. This role is responsible for implementing and monitoring all ranch and equine safety protocols and for collaborating closely with veterinarians, farriers, equine health professionals, and volunteers to ensure the highest standards of equine care and husbandry. The Ranch and Equine Manager supervises ranch hands to ensure that facilities, grounds, and infrastructure are clean, safe, and well-maintained. This position also serves as a lead equine trainer, working as part of the training team to prepare horses for adoption using safe, effective, and humane training methods.

Responsibilities

Health of Herd

Sustain a Health of Herd program that is a model of best practice, spanning intake to adoption, including:

·        Develop and oversee individual care plans for each equine including diets and monitoring.

·        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.

·        Coordinate equine intake assessments with veterinarians, NMLB and surrenders with Executive Director and training team.

·        Maintain preventive care program including vaccinations, worming, and regular hoof care with trained farriers for the herd.

·        Provide medical care and treatment for horses as needed under veterinary direction.

Ranch Operations

  • Sustain and oversee ranch operations as a model of best practice.

  • Manage and oversee maintenance and cleanliness of barns, structures, vehicles, and equipment to ensure optimum functionality and safety.

    • Assign maintenance and repairs as appropriate to ranch hands, volunteers, and contractors.

  • Check and maintain well systems and water levels.

  • Schedule operations and deliveries, including but not limited to farrier, vet, hay, grain, and maintenance supplies.

  • Make morning and evening rounds of the grounds to identify/manage any issues.

Equine Trainer

·        Sustain and grow equine training program as a model of best practice with clear program objectives and outcomes.

·        Draft and execute annual training program plan including adoption pathways. Includes continued education and work alongside other knowledgeable, experienced trainers (contractors, invited, and volunteers).

·        Manage and coordinate specific training pathways identified at point of intake through adoption.

- Supervise and participate in training of equines as assigned, including groundwork and under-saddle training.

- Serve as lead instructor for targeted training workshops/initiatives, working with volunteers and related course participants.

- Transport equines as needed.

- Support adoption program to ensure success.

Weekly Schedule (40 hours/week)

●       Five days/week generally Tuesday through Saturday.

●       This position is an agricultural exempt position that provides ranch housing, including utilities, as well as boarding for up to two equines.

●       Serves as equine emergency first point of contact.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experienced in equine handling and husbandry (min. three years).

  • Proven experience with successfully training unsocialized horses; from gentling, halter training and groundwork to saddle-ready if applicable.

  • Strong foundation in safe, effective and humane training techniques.

  • Experience and confidence working with horses that are unsocialized, untrained and/or have challenging behaviors.

  • Experienced with large machinery including ATVs, tractors, trucks, and trailers.

  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • High School Diploma.

  • Valid New Mexico Driver’s License (required).

Job Conditions

WNCR sits on 30 acres, with a current herd of 56 equines plus 20 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. 

Join Us

If you are interested in making a difference at WNCR, if you embrace active learning and innovation, and if you want to work with our incredible herd of horses and donkeys, send us a cover letter and resume to Mark Preiss, mpreiss@wncr.org