Horse Wrangler / Riding Instructor
Daly City,
CA,
United States
Ocean View Stables is hiring Wranglers and Riding Instructors — Daly City, CA
We are a working stable on the coast just south of San Francisco. Our team guides guests on trail rides to the beach, teaches lessons in our academy program, and keeps the barn and the horses in good shape. If you have real hands-on horse experience and you like working outside with both horses and people, we want to meet you.
This is one posting for two closely related roles. Tell us on the application which one you are after — or say you are open to both.
Horse Wrangler
- Guide guests on scenic trail rides to the beach
- Match riders to horses, adjust tack, and run a safe mounting block
- Tack, untack, groom, feed, turn out, and keep an eye on soundness
- General barn and facility work — this is part of every role here
Riding / Horsemanship Instructor
- Teach groundwork, riding, and horsemanship theory to students of all ages
- Build lesson plans that move a student forward week to week
- Work from a natural-horsemanship, trust-based foundation
- Same barn duties as everyone else between lessons
What we require
- Hands-on horse experience. This is not an entry-level position for someone who has never handled a horse. You should be able to catch, lead, tie, groom, and tack up safely on your own.
- You can ride well enough to lead a group of beginners on trail, or teach from the ground and the saddle
- Comfortable with guests — a lot of this job is customer service on horseback
- Physically able to work outdoors in all weather, lift 50+ lbs, and stay on your feet 6–8 hours
- Reliable transportation to 2152 Olympic Way, Daly City
- Available weekends and holidays — that is when we are busiest
- Current CPR and first aid certification preferred, not required
Pay — please read this before applying
Every position at Ocean View Stables starts at $18.00 per hour. That is the same rate for wranglers, instructors, and maintenance, and it does not change based on how much experience you bring in the door.
As you prove yourself — showing up on time, handling horses well, taking care of our guests, and taking on more responsibility — your pay may go up. Raises here are earned, not automatic, and they are based on your performance once we can see it firsthand.
If the starting rate does not work for you, please do not apply.
What else comes with the job
- Part-time and full-time schedules available
- Live-in options available for some positions
- Medical, dental, and vision packages
- Use of our trails, tack, and horses on your days off
- Discounts on leasing or boarding — in some cases boarding a horse as part of your compensation
- Regular team rides, trainings, and outings, plus support toward outside certifications
How to apply
Pick an interview time and complete the application in one sitting at leydenhorsemanship.com/appointment/46. Interviews are one hour, in person at the barn, and are booked at least 48 hours out. Dress for the barn and plan to be around horses.
Questions? Email wrangler@leydenhorsemanship.com (wrangler) or instructor@leydenhorsemanship.com (instructor).
Ocean View Stables is an equal opportunity employer. If you need an accommodation to perform the physical parts of this job, say so on the application and we will talk it through.
About Ocean View Stables
Ocean View Stables is a premier horse-riding facility located just outside San Francisco, offering a wide range of programs for new and experienced riders alike. At the core of our philosophy is natural horsemanship, a holistic approach to training and caring for horses that emphasizes the horse-human bond and mutual respect between horse and rider.
Job Description
We are seeking dedicated and experienced Horse Wranglers to join our team. This role involves the daily care, handling, and management of our horse herd, ensuring their health and readiness for various activities. Wranglers play a crucial part in maintaining the safety and efficiency of our operations, from trail rides to training sessions.
Responsibilities
- Feed, groom, and monitor the health of horses daily
- Saddle and prepare horses for rides and lessons
- Lead and assist with trail rides along oceanfront paths
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of stables and equipment
- Assist with training and conditioning of horses as needed
- Instruct students on horse care and stable management
- Prepare horses for lessons, including tacking and grooming
- Ensure safety protocols are followed during all horse-related activities
- Provide basic first aid to horses and report any health concerns
- Collaborate with instructors and other staff to coordinate horse usage
- Perform routine checks on riding equipment and ensure its maintenance
- Manage schedules and bookings for trail rides
- assist in 1:1 and group horsemanship lessons when needed
- Represent our values of respect, communication, and fun
Must Have
- Proven experience in horse care and handling
- Strong understanding of equine behavior and needs
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts
- Commitment to the principles of natural horsemanship
Nice to have
- Experience leading trail rides or similar activities
- Background in horse starting or training
- Knowledge of basic equine first aid
- Familiarity with tack maintenance and repair
- Farrier experience
What's great in the job?
Shape the Future of Horsemanship: As an early-stage company, Ocean View Stables offers you the unique opportunity to influence and define our horsemanship programs and culture. Your ideas and initiatives can directly impact our growth trajectory and the experiences we provide to our students.
Accelerated Career Growth: In our dynamic environment, your contributions are highly visible, allowing for rapid professional development. You'll have the chance to take on diverse responsibilities, hone your skills, and advance your career more quickly than in traditional settings.
Pathway to Leadership: We're committed to nurturing talent from within. As we expand, there will be ample opportunities for you to step into leadership roles, manage teams, and play a pivotal part in steering the direction of our programs and services.
Collaborative and Innovative Culture: Join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for horsemanship. Your voice will be heard, and your contributions will be integral to our collective success.
Meaningful Impact: Beyond career advancement, you'll have the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the well-being of our horses, fostering connections that go beyond the workplace.
What's Great in the Job?
What We Offer
At Ocean View Stables, we believe in supporting our instructors both professionally and personally. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:
Flexible Employment
We offer both part-time and full-time positions to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments.
Live-In Opportunities
Experience the best of both worlds by living minutes away from the San Francisco Zoo, with immediate access to our horses, scenic ocean trails, and the vibrant city life.
Health Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance packages, ensuring you and your family's well-being.
Exclusive Access on Off Days
Enjoy personal use of our trails, tack, and horses during your days off, allowing you to deepen your connection with our equine companions.
Leasing and Boarding
Take advantage of special rates for leasing or boarding horses. In select cases, boarding your horse can be included as part of your compensation package.
Team Building Activities
Participate in regular team rides, training sessions, and outings designed to foster camaraderie and continuous learning.
