Benefits:- Free food & snacks
- Free uniforms
- Training & development
Position type | Per diem, with the opportunity to move into a full-time role as our program grows
Reports to | Equine Director
Works with | Equine specialists, clinicians, facilitators, and program support staff
Location | Rooted Oaks Ranch, Magnolia, Texas (on-site)
Schedule | Weekend availability is required.
The opportunity
Our Equine Handlers make our equine sessions possible. You will work side by side with our Equine Specialists, bringing horses out, holding them during therapy sessions and retreat experiences, and returning them safely to the herd.
This role is more than horse handling. You will be part of the guest experience, offering a warm and steady presence, holding space for people in meaningful moments, and stepping in to support horses and humans before anyone has to ask.
This position begins as per diem, with the opportunity to move into a full-time role as our equine program grows.
What you’ll do
- Help the Equine Specialist bring horses out of the pasture or barn, prepare them for sessions, and put them back afterward.
- Hold and handle horses safely and calmly during equine-assisted therapy sessions and retreat experiences.
- Stay attuned to both guests and horses, and recognize safety concerns for horses and humans early.
- Provide support where it is needed without being asked: adjusting a horse’s position, offering a guest a hand, or quietly alerting the Equine Specialist.
- Welcome guests warmly and help them feel safe and at ease around the horses.
- Hold space for guests in a meaningful way: present, attentive, and calm, without taking over or sharing your own story.
- Keep guests’ stories and experiences confidential.
- Help set up and reset arena and pasture spaces, and keep tack and equipment clean and organized.
- Share observations about horse behavior, health, or wellbeing with the Equine Specialist and Equine Director.
What you bring
- Thorough knowledge of horses and complete comfort handling them, including leading, haltering, holding, and reading body language.
- 2+ years of hands-on horse experience (barn, ranch, lesson program, equine therapy, or similar).
- Strong safety awareness around horses and people.
- Experience in an equine-assisted therapy or learning program, or EAGALA or Natural Lifemanship training, is a plus.
- Weekend availability.
- Ability to work outdoors in all kinds of Texas weather and handle the physical demands of horse care.
- Current CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
Who you are
- Warm, welcoming, and quietly confident with horses and people.
- Deeply attuned; you notice what a horse or a guest needs and respond before being asked.
- A steady presence in emotional moments. You know that holding space means listening, not leading.
- Safety-minded and calm under pressure.
- A team player who takes direction well and takes pride in caring for the herd.
How to apply
To apply, send your résumé and a short note about why this work matters to you to Amy@rootedoaksranch.com. Include any licenses or certifications relevant to the role and, for shift-based roles, the shifts and days you are available.