PRN Equine Specialist

About the Role

The PRN Equine Specialist supports the equine program at The Refuge, a residential trauma treatment center located on 96 acres in the Ocala National Forest. This role focuses on maintaining a clean, safe, and presentable stable environment while ensuring the health and well-being of the facility’s horses.

Responsibilities

• Train horses daily and correct undesirable behavior using natural horsemanship techniques.
• Maintain farrier services for all facility-owned horses.
• Report repair needs for fences, pastures, stalls, and barn to the manager and assist in repairs.
• Report horse injuries or health concerns to the appropriate manager and recommend care decisions.
• Assess horse feed with the manager to ensure a healthy diet; order and pick up feed.
• Support patients assigned to horse care exercises, including grooming.
• Collaborate with equine staff to promote the well-being of patients and horses.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required). Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Five or more years’ experience training horses and utilizing natural horsemanship techniques.
• Valid driver’s license.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification may be required (training available upon hire).
• First aid certification may be required based on state or facility guidelines.

Pay

Starts at $20/hour, with increases based on relevant equine work in behavioral health.