Horse Groomer and Farrier

Key Responsibilities:

Horse Grooming & Care 

• Daily Grooming & Maintenance: Bathe, brush, clip, and perform general grooming duties to ensure horses’ coats are clean and healthy. 
• Hoof Care & Cleaning: Clean and inspect hooves daily, ensuring they are free of debris and in good condition. 
• Feeding & Watering: Follow established feeding and watering schedules, ensuring horses receive the proper nutrition and hydration. 
• Health Monitoring: Observe horses for signs of illness, injury, or discomfort. Report any health concerns to the barn manager or vet. 
• Assist with Horse Exercise & Groundwork: Provide light exercise or groundwork as directed, ensuring horses are fit and mentally engaged. 
• Stable Cleaning & Maintenance: Clean stalls, remove waste, bed with fresh bedding, and maintain cleanliness in aisles and common areas. 
• Tack & Equipment Care: Clean and maintain saddles, tack, and grooming equipment. 
• Assist in Handling Horses for Veterinary/Farrier Appointments: Help restrain or prepare horses for farrier visits, veterinary checkups, or treatments. 

Farrier Duties 

• Hoof Trimming & Maintenance: Trim and balance horse hooves, ensuring they are properly shaped and aligned to support health and movement. 
• Shoeing: Fit, forge, and apply horseshoes using cold or hot shoeing methods. Select appropriate shoe types based on the horse’s needs (performance, lameness, etc.). 
• Hoof Health Assessment: Inspect hooves for signs of cracks, abscesses, infections, or other issues. Treat or recommend further care as necessary. 
• Collaboration with Veterinarians: Work with veterinarians to address specific hoof conditions, lameness, or orthopedic concerns. 
• Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of trimming, shoeing schedules, and any special treatments or observations made during farrier visits. 
• Communication with Horse Owners & Trainers: Advise owners and trainers on proper hoof care, shoeing options, and any issues observed. 

General Responsibilities 

• Collaboration: Work closely with other staff, including barn managers, veterinarians, trainers, and barn hands, to ensure horses are cared for consistently. 
• Tool and Equipment Maintenance: Keep farrier tools and equipment clean, sharp, and in good working condition. 
• Safety: Ensure safe practices are followed during grooming, farrier work, and while handling horses. Maintain a safe working environment at all times. 
• Travel/Transport: Assist with loading and unloading horses when transporting to events or veterinary appointments. 
• Farm Equipment: Assist with basic operation of farm machinery (mowers, tractors) and other stable-related tasks when required. 

Qualifications: 

• Proven experience as a horse groomer and farrier, with certification or training in farriery (preferred). 
• Strong ability to handle horses of all temperaments and sizes.  
• Skilled in hoof care, trimming, and shoeing.  
• Knowledge of general horse care (grooming, feeding, health monitoring). 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physical tasks in various outdoor conditions. 
• Comfort working with heavy tools and working under horses in confined spaces. 
• Strong communication skills, able to interact with horse owners, trainers, and other professionals. Can Speak English. 
• Farrier certification (e.g., AFA or similar) preferred. 
• Equine first aid or CPR certification is a plus. 
• Valid driver’s license (required if traveling to off-site events or farms).