Horse Trainer Independent Contract

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s Second Chance Ranch provides specialized care, rehabilitation, and placement services for horses and other barn animals. The program supports animals with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and training needs while helping prepare them for safe and successful placement.

Requirements

• At least one year of professional animal care, equine handling, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience training horses using humane, low-stress, or positive reinforcement-based methods.
• Strong understanding of equine behavior, body language, learning theory, and stress indicators.
• Ability to assess training needs and adapt techniques based on an individual horse’s behavior and progress.
• Confidence handling horses with limited training, uncertain backgrounds, or behavioral challenges.
• Strong communication, judgment, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in physically and emotionally demanding situations.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Basic computer and data-entry skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience safely operating horse trailers, utility vehicles, and ranch equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate horses’ current handling abilities, behavior, confidence, and training needs.
• Develop and implement individualized training plans in collaboration with the Director of Shelter Operations.
• Use humane, low-stress, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
• Build foundational skills such as haltering, leading, groundwork, picking up feet, desensitization, loading into trailers, and safely navigating new environments.
• Support behavioral rehabilitation for horses experiencing fear, stress, limited socialization, or handling challenges.
• Document training sessions, progress, behavioral observations, and recommendations accurately and promptly.
• Communicate progress, safety concerns, and recommended next steps to Second Chance Ranch leadership.
• Provide demonstrations, education, or guidance to designated staff and volunteers to promote consistency in approved handling and training practices.
• Support veterinarians and ranch staff with safe horse handling during examinations, treatments, procedures, and routine medical care, as requested.
• Operate trucks with horse trailers, utility vehicles, and other ranch equipment when authorized and necessary.
• Maintain a safe and organized training environment and follow applicable ARL safety, animal care, and biosecurity expectations.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with ARL staff, volunteers, adopters, and members of the public.

Benefits

• The opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of rescue horses.
• Collaborating with a team dedicated to their safety and long-term success.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed