Barn Manager

Turner Enterprises • Raton, NM

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Barn Manager oversees the overall supervision and daily operations of Vermejo Reserve’s Guest Services Barn and Wrangling Department. This hands-on leadership role combines equine care and herd management with staff supervision, guest riding operations, and responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized barn environment. The Barn Manager leads and supports the wrangling team, oversees horse health and performance, maintains facilities and equipment, and helps deliver memorable horseback riding experiences consistent with Vermejo’s luxury hospitality standards.

The position requires living at Vermejo headquarters, approximately 40 miles from Raton, New Mexico, in a remote mountain environment with limited access to shopping, dining, and other services. Company dorm-style housing may be available, subject to availability; employees may share a room. Employees arrange their own transportation to and from Raton for personal supplies. The position is full-time, hourly, non-exempt, and benefits eligible, with an anticipated start date of January 2027.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in a guest horseback riding operation, including wrangling, equine care, barn operations, and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of equine health, nutrition, behavior, and safe horse-handling practices.
• Experience overseeing guest riding activities, including rider safety, horse selection, and emergency response.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret safety procedures and operating instructions and prepare routine reports.
• Ability to operate vehicles and a valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment; driving record must meet Company and insurer standards.
• Must provide documentation establishing identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, as required by federal law.
• Ability to live and work in an isolated mountain environment with limited access to shopping, dining, and other services.
• Ability to arrange personal transportation to and from Raton for personal supplies.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including frequently lifting or moving up to 45 pounds, handling and riding horses, performing physically demanding barn duties, and working outdoors in varying terrain and weather.
• Ability to work around large animals, barn equipment, and uneven outdoor terrain, including exposure to unpredictable animal movements.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, and color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working in a luxury hotel or resort setting.

Responsibilities

• Direct the overall supervision and daily operations of the Guest Services Barn and Wrangling Department.
• Establish and maintain systems, inventories, and standard operating procedures to improve the horseback riding program.
• Vet candidates and assist with hiring wrangling staff.
• Train, supervise, and direct wrangling staff to maintain a clean barn, healthy animals, and a safe working environment.
• Coordinate daily staff assignments, schedules, and operational coverage for barn operations and guest riding activities.
• Ensure horses are exercised and ridden daily and manage the herd for optimal health, conditioning, and performance.
• Monitor the health, condition, behavior, and well-being of the herd and coordinate veterinary and farrier services as needed.
• Maintain records of horse exercise, riding schedules, shoeing, vaccinations, and other equine care activities.
• Oversee horse selection and suitability for guest riding based on rider experience, horse temperament, and safety considerations.
• Keep the Guest Services Barn, stalls, corrals, tack, equipment, and surrounding areas clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Inspect saddles, bridles, helmets, and other riding equipment for maintenance, functionality, and guest safety.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate ordering and proper storage of feed, hay, bedding, tack, and other barn supplies.
• Assist with feeding and watering horses, cleaning stalls and corrals, grooming and saddling horses, and occasionally leading guest rides.
• Establish and reinforce safe horse-handling practices, riding procedures, first aid standards, and emergency response protocols.
• Provide attentive, friendly, and responsive hospitality to guests and follow Ted Turner Reserves Guides’ quality and presentation standards.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, first aid, and personal hygiene standards and ensure compliance with applicable New Mexico laws and regulations.
• Coordinate with Activities leadership and other departments on guest riding schedules, special requests, and operational priorities.
• Communicate guest and staff feedback, operational concerns, and recommendations to appropriate department leadership.
• Maintain a positive, professional approach with guests and coworkers and assist other departments as operational needs arise.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• Short-term disability.
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Company dorm-style housing may be available, subject to availability; employees may have to share a room.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed