Professional Pathways: Katie Ebbage Equestrian
This opportunity is no longer available.
Barn Manager and Riding Instructor Positions
Katie Ebbage Equestrian offers horse-centered education focused on enhancing the well-being and performance of equestrian athletes from all disciplines, with a focus on the next generation of equestrians. They believe that everyone should have access to horses, and are actively seeking to remove barriers to entry. In 2021 they piloted summer horse camps in partnership with the Willamette Racism Response Network aimed at providing an accessible and inclusive introduction to horsemanship for local young people. They prioritize the individual needs of both horses and students, and strive to deliver the best comprehensive equestrian education available to students, and the best lifestyle, management, and training possible for horses.
Katie is an active ally and experienced instructor seeking an On-site Barn Manager (15 horses on average) and Riding Instructor to provide daily care for horses and to teach existing and expanding clientele in Pleasant Hill, Oregon. Katie is open to splitting these roles into two positions; applicants should indicate their interest in one or both roles. The ideal candidate is someone who is dedicated to learning about the horses and students as individuals, and providing them with dedicated care and instruction will be a good fit for the team. Katie and her business are devoted to equity in the horse industry and are actively creating a welcoming space for those with barriers to entry. Equestrians from historically underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.
Are you loving learning and growing with your horse and in the horse industry but want to dig deeper, immerse yourself, and begin or expand your career?
Barn Manager
As a Barn Manager, you are the front-line of our horse care system. This person can efficiently provide daily care (no stall cleaning, as our horses live outside) in all weather and observe horses and conditions for ever-changing needs. You must be able to communicate with the General Manager, other staff, and horse owners effectively. Some minor maintenance on an as-needed basis is a part of this job (repairing downed hot-wire, leaking hoses, and doing arena watering).
Requirements:
Strong match to our core values. This program is horse-centric. We’re constant learners. We communicate with intent. We practice extreme ownership. We’re a community and foster a team environment. There is no hierarchy and we do not compete with each other. We are honest and ethical.
Horse Experience. This position is not for a first-time horse person looking to explore. You will need horse handling skills, basic horse first-aid, and the ability to assess for basic health and well-being standards.
You MUST be reliable. Horses require observation and care twice a day, 7 days a week, with no exceptions. You must understand this and be committed to providing this care for your assigned times.
The ability to work independently. You will be working alone at times, and must be able to move through your workday with personal responsibility and pride in your work, meeting the standards of the program efficiently and without taking shortcuts.
You must be proactive and detail-oriented. This is a management position, you must be looking for the things that need to be done, not waiting to be told what to do.
Excellent time management skills.
Riding Instructor
As a Riding Instructor, you are the face of the program, engaging and interacting with students of all ages, and modeling our core values. This is a welcoming, encouraging, supportive person who is dedicated to the success of all students. You must be positive, respectful, thoughtful, kind, and have a sense of humor. You must be committed to student safety and welfare.
Requirements:
In addition to the above, you must be absolutely devoted to seeing your students through this learning process. There are no shortcuts in mastery.
You must be able to address different challenges, learning styles, levels of confidence and goals.
You must be able to customize the experience to the individual while operating under our core values.
You must prioritize the welfare of the horses.
You must want to provide the best education available.
Why we think this job is great:
We are a supportive, encouraging community of like-minded horse people.
Our people love it here. We have a unique-to-the-industry program and environment. You will be supported as a professional, and as a person.
We don’t talk about our values, we live them. We are obsessed with learning. We communicate with intent. We practice extreme ownership. We’re a community and foster a team environment. There is no hierarchy and we do not compete with each other. We are honest and ethical.
Our horses, owners and students are AMAZING. They inspire us every day and make it fun to do our jobs.
We focus on individual needs and goals, we don’t shove people or horses into our box. We’ll support you as an individual, too. We want to see you succeed.
We support and encourage diversity and are proactively inviting underrepresented groups into our program via outreach events and the support of our partner 501c3 non-profit organization.
Other Details
The position begins June 21, 2021. An on-site interview and probationary training period are requirements of the position to ensure an appropriate fit.
Compensation can include a combination of housing, continuing education, board and/or a lease horse, and a stipend, depending on need.
About Katie Ebbage Equestrian
For the past 15 years, we have been organically growing this educational program. With a dedication to ongoing learning, we have curated material from the best minds in the industry to create a holistic training system based on horse-welfare. We address all aspects of the horse: mental, emotional, physical, lifestyle, nutrition, hoof care and training to optimize function and performance, whatever that performance may be. Although most students are dressage/ eventing/recreationally focused, we are not discipline specific and seek to enhance the well-being and performance of equine athletes from all disciplines.
We are growing, with a focus on the next generation of equestrians. We believe that everyone should have access to horses, and are actively seeking to remove barriers to entry. We are focused on providing best in the industry education, and are developing programs to reach remote learners in addition to our on-site programs.
We believe in personal development and responsibility, and understand that the one thing a rider brings to the barn every day is themselves. With that in mind, we encourage and teach functional human posture, self- awareness, and support self-care.
We LOVE mentoring and supporting people in pursuing their passion. We have a history of supporting young people in following their professional goals and figuring out which aspect of the industry is right for you. Current and former students have pursued advanced education and careers in bodywork, hoof care, training, teaching and horse welfare-based research.
