Stable Attendant - Breeding Operations

Work description

The mares in Trade Winds Farms’ breeding program are seasonal breeders and enter into their breeding season in late winter/early spring. The gestation period for mares is 335 to 342 days. Breeding these horses is done usually starting in early February for barren mares and as soon as possible for mares that foal. The gestation period for these horses is about 11 months, so a horse bred in early February is expected to deliver early in the following new year. The activities include all of the necessary work in preparing a pregnant mare to deliver early in the new year, dealing with the mare and new foal after birth, and preparing the mare to be bred back again. During December and through June activities are focused on the pregnant mare and preparing for her to give birth, and dealing with the newborn foal and the mare, then getting the mare back to the breeding shed, then supporting the mare and her foal for those first critical months. Foals are typically weaned about 6 months after birth. The Stable Attendant will be responsible for the daily care of our foals and mares in Trade Winds Farm’s seasonal breeding program on the farm. Specifically, the Stable Attendant will: • Feed/water horses, clean stalls, and re-bed • Assist in breeding of foals • Imprint training of foals, weaning foals, monitor, feed and exercise foals and pregnant mares • Handle stallions. • Identify health issues of pregnant mares and foals; and • Provide care for and medical treatment of horses (mares and foals), including electro-magnetic therapy, ice boot therapy, and assisting veterinarian with IV and IM injections. The need for Stable Attendants to care for mares and foals lasts for the period of late November to late September. Stable Attendants will be responsible for bathing, brushing, hoof care, clipping, clean stalls by removing soiled bedding and manure, replacing with fresh bedding. Strip stalls and disinfect floors, walls, and surrounding areas for broodmares. Sweep barn aisles and stall areas. Maintain/clean and fill water troughs and buckets. Handle basic feeding activities including apportioning grain, hay, and feed supplements according to instruction. Hold horses for farriers and vets as needed and administer routine intra-muscular injections. Help maintain equipment, assist with mowing and weeding, cutting and baling hay, work in fields, clean around barns. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Must be able to lift/carry 75 lbs. Workers may be required to have a drug test upon suspicion of employer conducted by Lab Corp at the employer's expense. Drug testing is industry standard for the safety of workers and horses.