Equestrian Director
Frost Valley YMCA, New York, NY, United States
Description
The Equestrian Director serves as the Head of the Equestrian Department, providing strategic leadership for equestrian operations, staff teams, herd management systems, and program growth across Frost Valley’s equestrian facilities. This role is responsible for setting direction, building systems, leading people, and executing a long-term vision for a dynamic and evolving equestrian program. While executing some aspects of a traditional barn manage, the Equestrian Director focuses on decision‑making, structure, staff leadership, and program development, ensuring that day‑to‑day operations are carried out effectively by trained staff teams. The Director oversees a year round herd that grows during summer months of approximately 20–90 horses, equestrian facilities, and a multidisciplinary staff team, while actively identifying opportunities to expand offerings, strengthen community connections, and position the program as a regional equestrian resource. This role is ideal for a driven, forward‑thinking equestrian professional who is excited by growth, innovation, and leadership, and who wants the opportunity to build, evolve, and expand a department.
Requirements ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Department Leadership & Vision
Serve as the Head of the Equestrian Department, setting strategic direction and priorities for herd management, staffing, facilities, and programming
Develop and execute a clear vision for the growth and evolution of equestrian programs, balancing safety, sustainability, and innovation
Establish and refine systems that support efficient operations, consistent decision‑making, and high‑quality outcomes
Represent the equestrian department internally and externally, building trust and visibility across the organization and community
Herd Management & Equine Systems
Provide oversight (occasionally daily execution) of herd management for a year round population 20 horses; seasonal population 90 horses
Design and maintain systems for veterinary care, farrier schedules, conditioning, turnout, feeding coordination, and seasonal transitions
Make strategic decisions regarding horse use, placement, acquisition, retirement, sale, or reassignment based on temperament, training, and welfare
Ensure accurate record‑keeping related to horse health, workload, training status, and utilization
Staff Leadership & Team Management
Lead, supervise, and develop a team of year‑round and seasonal equestrian staff, including barn managers, instructors, and weekend staff
Set clear expectations, roles, and accountability structures so staff can effectively manage daily operations
Focus on coaching, professional growth, and performance management rather than routine task completion
Foster a strong, safety‑centered, and inclusive team culture rooted in communication, trust, and shared responsibility
Program Growth, Innovation & Community Engagement
Identify and develop new equestrian opportunities that expand access, participation, and impact, including but not limited to:
Hosting outside clinics and specialty workshops
Developing trail riding programs for varied experience levels
Offering community lesson programs
Launching student or entry‑level horse shows
Creating corporate or group team‑building experiences involving horses
Build and maintain relationships with local trainers, equestrians, schools, and organizations
Position the equestrian program as a community‑facing asset and regional destination
Facilities, Risk & Operational Oversight
Provide strategic oversight of barns, pastures, fencing, equipment, and equestrian facilities
Coordinate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure facilities meet safety, welfare, and industry standards
Ensure compliance with applicable equestrian and safety standards (CHA, ACA, DOH, etc.)
Proactively manage risk related to horses, facilities, staff practices, and participant engagement
Financial & Strategic Planning
Develop and manage the equestrian department budget, with attention to sustainability and growth
Identify opportunities for revenue generation and program expansion
Contribute to long‑term planning for facilities, herd sustainability, and program development
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Equine Studies, Animal Science, Education, Recreation, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
3–5+ years of progressive leadership experience in the equestrian industry, including herd management and staff supervision
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build systems, and manage complex operations
Experience developing or expanding equestrian programs beyond traditional instruction
Strong communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills
Certification from a nationally recognized equestrian organization (CHA or equivalent) preferred
First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements
WHY THIS ROLE: This position offers the opportunity to shape and grow a full equestrian department, lead people rather than just tasks, and bring innovative ideas to life. The Equestrian Director will have meaningful influence, creative freedom, and the chance to build something lasting.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and walk up to 10 miles a day
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PAY RANGE $62,353.00-$63,500.00 annually plus generous benefits onsite housing with the option of bringing a personal horse. This position would start late June/early July
DEADLINE TO APPLY April 3, 2026
SIGNATURE I have reviewed and understand this job description.
__________________________________ _________________________________
Employee’s name Employee’s signature
Today’s date: _______________________
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Requirements ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Department Leadership & Vision
Serve as the Head of the Equestrian Department, setting strategic direction and priorities for herd management, staffing, facilities, and programming
Develop and execute a clear vision for the growth and evolution of equestrian programs, balancing safety, sustainability, and innovation
Establish and refine systems that support efficient operations, consistent decision‑making, and high‑quality outcomes
Represent the equestrian department internally and externally, building trust and visibility across the organization and community
Herd Management & Equine Systems
Provide oversight (occasionally daily execution) of herd management for a year round population 20 horses; seasonal population 90 horses
Design and maintain systems for veterinary care, farrier schedules, conditioning, turnout, feeding coordination, and seasonal transitions
Make strategic decisions regarding horse use, placement, acquisition, retirement, sale, or reassignment based on temperament, training, and welfare
Ensure accurate record‑keeping related to horse health, workload, training status, and utilization
Staff Leadership & Team Management
Lead, supervise, and develop a team of year‑round and seasonal equestrian staff, including barn managers, instructors, and weekend staff
Set clear expectations, roles, and accountability structures so staff can effectively manage daily operations
Focus on coaching, professional growth, and performance management rather than routine task completion
Foster a strong, safety‑centered, and inclusive team culture rooted in communication, trust, and shared responsibility
Program Growth, Innovation & Community Engagement
Identify and develop new equestrian opportunities that expand access, participation, and impact, including but not limited to:
Hosting outside clinics and specialty workshops
Developing trail riding programs for varied experience levels
Offering community lesson programs
Launching student or entry‑level horse shows
Creating corporate or group team‑building experiences involving horses
Build and maintain relationships with local trainers, equestrians, schools, and organizations
Position the equestrian program as a community‑facing asset and regional destination
Facilities, Risk & Operational Oversight
Provide strategic oversight of barns, pastures, fencing, equipment, and equestrian facilities
Coordinate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure facilities meet safety, welfare, and industry standards
Ensure compliance with applicable equestrian and safety standards (CHA, ACA, DOH, etc.)
Proactively manage risk related to horses, facilities, staff practices, and participant engagement
Financial & Strategic Planning
Develop and manage the equestrian department budget, with attention to sustainability and growth
Identify opportunities for revenue generation and program expansion
Contribute to long‑term planning for facilities, herd sustainability, and program development
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Equine Studies, Animal Science, Education, Recreation, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
3–5+ years of progressive leadership experience in the equestrian industry, including herd management and staff supervision
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build systems, and manage complex operations
Experience developing or expanding equestrian programs beyond traditional instruction
Strong communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills
Certification from a nationally recognized equestrian organization (CHA or equivalent) preferred
First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements
WHY THIS ROLE: This position offers the opportunity to shape and grow a full equestrian department, lead people rather than just tasks, and bring innovative ideas to life. The Equestrian Director will have meaningful influence, creative freedom, and the chance to build something lasting.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and walk up to 10 miles a day
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PAY RANGE $62,353.00-$63,500.00 annually plus generous benefits onsite housing with the option of bringing a personal horse. This position would start late June/early July
DEADLINE TO APPLY April 3, 2026
SIGNATURE I have reviewed and understand this job description.
__________________________________ _________________________________
Employee’s name Employee’s signature
Today’s date: _______________________
#J-18808-Ljbffr