Equestrian Director - MS

EquiStaff•Nesbit, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This up-and-coming, multi-discipline facility just across the border from Memphis, Tennessee is looking for a new Equestrian Director to help them grow! This facility is already well into development, boasting a 50-acre, lower-level eventing course, 3 outdoor arenas and an indoor under construction, a 12-stall pole barn and competition barn in the works, a couple of schooling show series, and big plans for improvement! Run under the umbrella of a 501c3 Mental Health Foundation, this is a positive team who believes in supporting their employees and providing opportunities for their team to reach their goals. Individuals applying for this job must be experienced equestrians first and foremost, but also share the kind and caring spirit embodied by the rest of the team at this facility. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Equestrian Director to lead the expansion and development of this facility into a "destination" and top training facility within their local community! This multi-disciplinary facility has students interested in pursuing both Western and English sports, and hosts shows and events for of all ages and abilities. The Equestrian Director will be the leading authority on the overall direction, design, and growth of this facility - responsible for growing & managing a team, developing policies & procedures, sourcing & managing contractors, and sourcing/maintaining a quality school/lease string, development and promotion of events, and general facility oversight. Currently, the facility-owned herd numbers less than 20, with plans to grow for the future. We are looking for someone who understands the "wear all the hats" versatility involved with growing a multi-disciplinary equestrian program - with the support of their staff & leadership team, of course!

Requirements

Minimum 5 years professional experience as leader of a multi-faceted Equestrian Program with multiple employees & trainers
Minimum 10 years professional experience riding/training in competitive equestrian programs
Willing to take ownership of program and be on-call for emergency situations
Ability to recognize lameness, communicate effectively with vet & farrier & leadership, and administer medications/rehab protocols to horses in need
Thorough understanding of what makes a show and lesson program successful
Willingness to travel as needed to promote facility within the equestrian community
Leadership style conducive to staff retention & growth
Ability to drive a truck & trailer, and willingness to haul client horses
Willing and able to ride/train in preferred discipline(s) as needed

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Foundation Leaders on growth and direction of the program as a whole
Source vendors and establish protocols to ensure all supplies are stocked appropriately including tack and feed and facility improvements/repairs
Plan and execute facility improvement projects in collaboration with Foundation leaders
Collaborate with Finance staff and leadership to develop and maintain a stable growth budget
Develop and maintain reports for budgeting, income, activity, and other KPIs
Design feeding and care protocols to accommodate all horses in the program
Establish emergency care protocols and act as final decision maker regarding equine well-being
Ensure stables, arenas, pastures, and overall equestrian facility is clean and in good repair at all times
Assist trainers for each discipline to source suitable horses to grow their programs
Oversee records keeping & revenue for horse well-being, staff, events, and lesson programs
Design orchestrate equestrian facility events including schooling shows, barrel races, seasonal festivals, clinics, and educational opportunities
Promote facility within the local community to host outside events and teams when applicable
Develop a diverse & inclusive culture for equestrian enthusiasts of all ages and levels
Ensure all patrons of shows and events feel welcome & valued
Hire, train, manage, and lead equestrian program staff members
Perform disciplinary actions when necessary
Mentor and lead support staff and students in and around the barns
Train office staff in management of entries, payments, and show records as needed
Additional duties as program growth warrants