We are seeking an experienced horse trainer and / or livestock handler to perform and oversee the daily operations and care of a 55-acre farm with one Friesian Sporthorse and three Gypsy Vanner horses, up to a dozen mini and mid-sized Highland cattle, a boutique small herd of less than ten Kerry Hills sheep, and some poultry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in horse training, animal husbandry, equine and/or livestock management. Additionally, knowledge of farm equipment and maintenance is a plus, but not an upfront requirement. This role requires a hands-on approach to managing farm activities, ensuring the health and productivity of livestock and potentially the grounds. Our current animals require more human interaction for riding, lunging, training, grooming, and familiarity. We will also be breeding cattle and sheep within the year. This dedicated position requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week to a maximum of 40 hours per week, to be negotiated based on applicants.

-Other duties may be offered by both parties and discussed.

Skills -4+ years related relevant experience, including livestock or equine experience, training and/or showing. Preference for 4-H, FFA, and/or Pony Club background.
-Proficient at working safely with young equines; able to professionally execute training from groundwork through riding (i.e. colt starting). -Experience in advanced riding (open to multiple disciplines and breeds, prefer dressage, Western dressage, hunter/jumpers, and/or foxhunting).
-Experience in animal husbandry including breeding/artificial insemination, pregnancy, birthing, weaning, and young animal care on breeding farm (foaling, calving, and/or lambing) highly desired. -Verbal and writing skills; proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.

-Valid Driver’s License.
-Position is located in-person on-site work location in Hume, VA 22639. -Experience with horses and livestock (cattle and sheep preferred). -Daily care and herd health monitoring of animals, including: animal feeding, deworming, bedding, pasture rotation, cleaning, equipment, and all related materials and supplies. -Aid veterinarian, farrier, farm owner, and other professionals as needed. Assist in overall evaluation of equines and livestock (behavioral, medical). Able to identify medical issues (i.e. colic, pinkeye, fly strike, founder), take initiative and effectively communicate issues to veterinarians and farm owners. Apply necessary medical care and follow veterinarian’s instructions. -Maintain accurate records and/or computer files for preparation, production, animal, immunization, and other required reports. Ensure compliance with written procedures for quality assurance.
-Must demonstrate initiative and flexibility in constantly changing work demands. Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (feed bags & bales) unassisted. Regular exposure to livestock. Regular exposure to the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and riding. This position is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, and ability to focus. Optional: For consideration after primary animal duties are complete. Ground and lawn landscape general maintenance care/duties as needed, which may include: mowing, removal of weeds and dead plants. If desired, must be able to safely operate maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and weed trimmers. -Other duties may be offered by both parties and discussed.

-Fully furnished apartment (2 bed 1 bath) above barn available if on-site living is desired by candidate and agreed upon by owner. If this option is chosen then hours/pay/rent/utilities will all be negotiated with an emphasis on benefiting the worker.

-PTO (to be negotiated based on hours worked)