Careers
A dedicated team of compassionate, collaborative, and mission-driven individuals, united by a passion for service, innovation, and the transformative power of equine-assisted programs. We foster a welcoming, inclusive community where every person—rider, volunteer, staff member, and supporter—is valued. At the heart of our work is a commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening connections, and making a lasting impact, one stride at a time.
Why Join Us?
At Ironstone Farm, you’ll play a vital role in making life-changing programs possible, helping individuals of all ages and abilities experience the joy and healing power of our equine-assisted services. If you’re passionate about creating a positive impact and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Current Openings
Assistant Barn Manager
$16-20/hr | 30 hours/week
Performance evaluation and potential pay increase after 90 days
Flexibility to adjust schdeule or provide coverage as needed
Job Description
The Assistant Barn Manager plays a key role in supporting the daily care and management of Ironstone Farm’s herd of 24 therapy and recreational horses. This position focuses on maintaining high standards of horse welfare, barn operations, and safety, while also assisting in
supervising students, interns, and volunteers. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone with strong equine experience who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is comfortable working outdoors in all conditions.
The Assistant Barn Manager is an employee of Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Farm and is expected to serve as an ambassador of our mission. This role is essential to maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of our horses and supporting the overall success of our programs.
This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated and experienced team committed to excellence
in equine-assisted services.
Key Responsibilities
Herd Care & Barn Operations
● Support and maintain daily horse care routines, including feeding hay and grain, turnout, and general herd management
● Ensure consistent, high-quality care of stalls, paddocks, and turnout areas, including mucking, water management, and cleanliness
● Monitor horses daily and report any health or behavioral concerns to the Equine Manager and Operations Director
● Assist with administering basic care and treatments as directed
● Ensure all turnout equipment is used correctly and safely
● Dump manure, maintain clean work areas, and support overall farm organization
● Assist with restocking supplies across turnout and barn areas
● Support minor farm repairs as directed (e.g., buckets, hoses, gates)
● Ensure all barn protocols and safety procedures are followed
Supervision & Training
● Assist in supervising working students, interns, and volunteers in daily barn tasks and herd care
● Support training and onboarding of new students and volunteers
● Help maintain a positive, educational, and team- oriented environment
● Participate in ongoing staff training and development
Communication & Collaboration
● Work closely with the Operations Director, Barn Manager, and Equine Manager to ensure all horse care needs are met
● Communicate clearly with team members regarding daily tasks, priorities, and horse updates
● Serve as a point of support between students/interns and leadership as needed
● Represent Ironstone Farm professionally during on-site events, programs, and farm activities
Administrative Support
● Assist with maintaining accurate horse records, including medical charts and daily logs
● Support daily checklists, schedules, and barn organization systems
● Assist with inventory tracking and supply management
Growth Opportunities
● Opportunity to participate in exercise riding and equine training team following a 90-day
skills assessment
Required Qualifications
● Minimum of 5 years of hands-on equine care experience
● Strong working knowledge of horse handling, feeding, turnout and general barn management
● Ability to safely and confidently work with a variety of horses
● Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed
● Strong organizational and multitasking skills
● Clear communication and interpersonal skills
● Compassionate, patient, and team-oriented approach-especially when working with youth
● Detail-oriented with a commitment to high standards of care
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Basic computer skills (email, record keeping, scheduling systems)
● Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds (feed, hay, water buckets)
● Ability to stand, walk, bend and perform physical labor for extended periods
● Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
● Ability to safely handle horses of various sizes and tempermants
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in a lesson barn or therapeutic riding program
● Riding experience
● Experience working with students, interns, or volunteers
● Experience with basic farm equipment
● Massachusetts Riding Instructor License or willingness to obtain (pay scale may be adjusted based on licensure)
Interested candidates please fill out the form below.
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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor
$20-$25/Hr | 15-30 hours a week
Job Description
The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is responsible for delivering safe, effective, and engaging
riding lessons for individuals with and without disabilities. Instructors supervise lesson teams and are accountable for the safety and well-being of riders, horses, volunteers, and staff during all sessions.
This role also plays a key part in lesson planning, client communication, and documentation to ensure continuity of care and a high-quality client experience.
Instruction & Client Experience
● Plan, implement, and adapt goal-oriented therapeutic and recreational riding lessons based on individual rider needs
● Create a positive, encouraging, and structured learning environment that promotes confidence and skill development
● Select appropriate horses, tack, and adaptive equipment for each rider
● Monitor rider physical, emotional, and behavioral responses and adjust instruction as needed
● Greet and communicate with riders and caregivers, addressing questions and supporting
a welcoming experience
Safety and Horse Welfare
● Ensure the safety of riders, horses, volunteers, and staff at all times
● Conduct safety checks of tack, equipment, and rider attire before each lesson
● Implement safe mounting and dismounting procedures, consulting with therapists as
needed
● Maintain appropriate ratios of riders, horses, and volunteers
● Monitor equine health, behavior, and soundness; report concerns promptly
Volunteer Supervision
● Supervise, instruct, and support volunteers during lessons
● Provide clear direction on horse handling and rider support techniques
● Foster a positive, team-oriented environment for volunteers
Communication and Documentation
● Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including lesson plans, progress notes, and client updates
● Communicate essential information to supervisors and other instructors to ensure continuity of care
● Report incidents, safety concerns, and discipline issues according to farm protocols
Administrative and Program Support
● Maintain and update client records, evaluations, and required program documentation
● Follow all Ironstone Farm policies, procedures, and professional standards
● Represent Ironstone Farm professionally during programs and events
● Participate in quarterly instructor trainings (3 per year)
● Attend a minimum of 2 all-staff meetings annually
● Complete required continuing education (CEUs) each quarter
● Follow program coverage expectations and scheduling policies
Required Qualifications
● Licensed Massachusetts Horseback Riding Instructor
● Current First Aid and CPR certification
● Strong knowledge of horsemanship, horse behavior, and riding fundamentals
● Ability to plan and deliver safe, effective lessons for diverse riders
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills
● Ability to assess and respond appropriately to equine and rider behavior
● Knowledge of disabilities served, including contraindications and appropriate support
techniques
● Strong organizational and documentation skills
● Professional, patient, and adaptable approach
● Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
● Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
● Ability to assist riders with mounting/dismounting
● Ability to lift up to 45 lbs
● Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications
● Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
● Experience working with individuals with disabilities
● Experience in a lesson or therapeutic riding program
● Ability to supervise and direct volunteers effectively
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Equine Manager
$40,000-$60,000 | 40 hours a week
Salary will commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for optional on-site housing in a private two-level apartment located in the farmhouse. If elected, housing will be provided as part of the overall compensation package, with terms and any applicable value clearly outlined in a separate housing agreement in
accordance with Massachusetts law.
Job Description
The Equine Manager is responsible for the health, safety, training, and overall well-being of Ironstone Farm’s herd in support of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs. This role ensures horses are physically sound, behaviorally prepared, and appropriately matched for
participation in lessons and programs.
The Equine Manager oversees herd management, equine training, program readiness, and safe equine practices across the organization. This role also provides equine education and guidance to staff, volunteers, and instructors to promote consistent, humane, and safety-centered horsemanship.
The Equine Manager reports to the Program Director for all program-related decisions and collaborates closely with the Operations Director regarding facilities, feed, supplies, and barn operations. This role focuses on equine welfare, training, and program readiness rather than facilities or operational scheduling.
The position plays a critical role in ensuring the herd supports Ironstone Farm’s mission while aligning with PATH Intl. standards and industry best practices for therapeutic riding programs.
Ironstone Farm is committed to providing high-quality therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs that support individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The Equine Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the herd remains healthy, prepared, and
supported so that horses can safely and effectively serve participants while maintaining the highest standards of equine welfare.
Key Responsibilities
Equine Health, Safety and Welfare
● Oversee the daily health and well-being of all program horses.
● Conduct regular physical and behavioral assessments to monitor soundness, comfort,
and emotional state.
● Identify and respond promptly to injury, illness, stress, or behavioral changes.
● Maintain accurate equine health, medical, and usage records.
● Coordinate veterinary, farrier, dentistry, vaccination, and deworming schedules.
● Monitor equine workload to ensure horses are used appropriately for therapeutic
programming.
● Ensure proper saddle fit, tack safety, and equipment condition.
● Maintain equine first-aid supplies and coordinate medication needs.
Herd Management and Equine Training
● Coordinate with Program Director to develop and implement training and conditioning
plans for program horses.
● Maintain horses that are calm, responsive, and suitable for therapeutic environments.
● Evaluate horse temperament, behavior, and readiness for different riders and programs.
● Coordinate with Program Director and Equine Committee to support herd transitions including introducing new horses and retiring program horses.
● Implement humane, consistent training practices aligned with therapeutic riding program
standards.
● Address behavioral concerns and support horses experiencing stress or program
fatigue.
Horse Matching and Program Support
● Collaborate with Program Director, Lesson Manager and Equine team to match horses with riders, volunteers, and programs based on temperament, training, and participant
needs.
● Collaborate with instructors, therapists, and program staff to determine appropriate
horse–rider pairings.
● Monitor and adjust horse assignments to support safety, rider progress, and equine
welfare.
● Provide equine input into program scheduling, horse workload, and program capacity.
● Participate in rider evaluations and program planning as needed.
Staff and Volunteer Training
● Coordinate with Program Director, Lesson Manager and Volunteer Manager to train staff
and volunteers in safe horse handling, grooming, tacking, and groundwork.
● Educate staff and volunteers on equine behavior, body language, and stress signals.
● Promote consistent handling practices across instructors, volunteers, and staff.
● Support instructor development by sharing equine insights related to rider safety and
horse welfare.
● Model calm, respectful, and trauma-informed interactions with horses.
Program Collaboration
● Partner closely with the Program Director to support program goals and equine utilization.
● Collaborate with the Lesson Manager and instructors to ensure horses are prepared for lessons and programming.
● Coordinate with the Operations Director regarding feed, bedding, pasture management, and facility needs.
● Provide recommendations regarding equine purchases, leases, or retirement decisions.
● Communicate equine-related concerns, risks, and recommendations in a timely manner.
Risk Management and Emergency Response
● Serve as a primary responder for equine-related emergencies.
● Assist with emergency preparedness planning for horse care and evacuation procedures.
● Maintain a strong culture of safety for horses, participants, staff, and volunteers.
● Monitor equine-related program risks and implement preventative practices.
● Support safe program operations during weather events or unexpected situations.
Required Qualifications
● Minimum 5 years (10 years preferred) of experience in equine care, training, and herd management, preferably in a therapeutic riding or equine-assisted services setting.
● PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or comparable certification
required (or willingness to obtain).
● Strong knowledge of equine behavior, training, nutrition, and soundness management.
● Demonstrated ability to assess horse temperament and suitability for therapeutic riding
programs.
● Experience training and supervising staff and/or volunteers.
● Ability to work in a dynamic program environment with strong communication andorganizational skills.
● Participation in on-call rotation for equine emergencies and severe weather events.
● Ability to perform physical work associated with equine care including lifting, walking long
distances, handling horses, and working outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience working in PATH Intl. accredited or member therapeutic riding centers.
● Familiarity with trauma-informed or relationship-based horsemanship approaches.
● Experience supporting equine-assisted therapy or adaptive riding programs.
● Experience with horse acquisition evaluation and retirement planning.
● Experience trailering horses and transporting safely.
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