Equestrian Trail Guide I - Flex

About the role

Trail Guides work as a team in providing the highest possible levels of care for the horses and create world class equestrian experiences for guests. This is a flex position working an average of 20-29 hours per week (between 1000 - 1559 hours/year).

Responsibilities

• General care, feeding, and watering for the trail horses.
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of the feedlot, catch corral, and mounting corral.
• Cleaning and maintenance for saddles and tack for the trail rides program.
• Assisting the farrier and vets in providing horse health care as needed.
• Fence, pasture, and trail maintenance as needed.
• Select and catch appropriate horses to work each day.
• Carefully inspect each horse daily for signs of soreness, lameness, or other health concerns; seek professional advice as required.
• Prepare mounts and lead trail rides for guests according to the daily schedule.
• Inspect trails regularly for potential hazards (e.g., poor drainage, washouts, erosion, blow-down limbs, trash) and correct or report issues.
• Check in with the ticket host prior to each ride and warmly greet guests as they arrive.
• Clean saddles and tack as needed.
• Maintain preparedness to respond to emergencies on the trail or at the barn.
• Remove manure and debris from the mounting corral, feedlot, and around the barn throughout the day.
• Feed and water trail horses according to the daily schedule.
• Complete incident reports as needed, review with supervisor, and send to Human Resources.
• Support the Carriage Program staff to keep all guest areas clean and inviting.
• Provide general assistance and support for the department, leadership, and company.

Requirements

• High school diploma (or GED).
• Additional education, training, and/or certification(s) related to the equestrian field preferred.
• At least one year of related equestrian experience; two years of experience leading trail rides and working with riders of all levels is ideal.
• Knowledgeable in equestrian care and able to anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot health issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering world-class internal and external guest service.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable and effective communicating with guests, vendors, and other audiences.
• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the history of the estate and the Asheville area.
• Proactive with strong initiative; able to exercise good judgment in anticipating and addressing issues.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills; ability to prioritize and adjust work as necessary.
• Must have or be able to obtain First Aid, AED, and CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and at least 18 years of age.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 60 lbs. constantly and endure long days of lifting, walking, and physical exertion involved with riding for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead and below.
• Must have the range of motion necessary to safely saddle, mount, and ride horses.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.

Schedule

Hours are generally 7:45am - 6:15pm Friday - Monday. Weekend availability required. Schedule may vary.