Overnight Camp Assistant Equestrian Director

YMCA of Greater Boston

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Equestrian Director is responsible for the horseback riding program at North Woods Overnight Camp. This includes the proper care, feeding, and grooming of 12 horses, maintaining a clean and safe riding area, and supervising and teaching campers in both ring and trail riding, with instruction focused on western riding.

Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent
Extensive experience in the care of horses and prior instructional experience
Desire and ability to work with children and adults in a camp setting
Ability to creatively schedule programs, facilities, and staff
Ability and experience in supervising staff and campers
Enthusiastic leader, sense of humor, patience, self-control, strong supervisory and counseling skills
Current CPR and First Aid certifications
Ability to communicate and work with groups of varying participation (age and skill levels), and provide necessary instruction to campers
Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity

Responsibilities

Supervise other staff working with horses, both in care and instruction.
Ensure every camper has a happy, rewarding, and safe first experience of riding.
Maintain clean and safe riding equipment.
Ensure horses are properly cared for, including keeping them clean and administering basic first aid.
Notify Director, Outfitter, and Veterinarian in case of illness or injury to an animal.
Instruct all campers in basic western riding, including trail riding, trotting, and basic horsemanship.
Keep riding ring and stable area clean.
Keep fences repaired and report repairs beyond the instructor's ability to the Camp Director.
Responsible for feeding and watering horses, and ensuring adequate hay and grain are ordered and administered.
Ride trails during camp searches in the event of a lost camper.
Keep trails cleared from falling trees, brush, and other hazards.
Maintain prudent and practical safety precautions to minimize risks inherent to the program.
Supervise counselors and Counselors-In-Training when they are assigned to assist in the program.
Stimulate and promote improvement of skills through a challenging program.
Encourage and help build camper confidence in horsemanship.
Report all injuries immediately, especially camper falls from horses, notifying the nurse and director.
Assist in camp where needed on rainy days when riding cannot be held.
Be involved in the total camp program ensuring a safe and happy camping experience.
Adhere to personnel policies and ensure all personnel policies are adhered to by those who report to the Horseback Riding Instructor.