Assistant Equestrian Director

Palmetto Bluff is nestled along the May River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. As an award-winning 20,000-acre development, Palmetto Bluff offers a private member’s only club with a marina, restaurants, an equestrian center, a shooting club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, A King & Collins 9-hole Golf Course, a lawn and racquet club, and more. In addition, Palmetto Bluff has an extensive nature preserve, walking trails, retail shopping, and a vibrant village, all of which pay homage to the region’s rich heritage.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Equestrian Director will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations at Longfield Stables, ensuring the health and well-being of all horses and delivering a high level of equestrian programming. This position combines barn management, rider instruction, and customer service responsibilities, all while supporting the Equestrian Director in maintaining a seamless operation. The Assistant Director will provide exceptional care for the horses, managing the stable attendant team, and ensuring a positive experience for members, guests and visitors.

Benefits:
 
We offer excellent benefits, including an incredible employer contribution towards medical, dental, and vision coverage which begins on the 1st of the month following your date of hire! Other benefits include a 401(k) Plan, with an employer matching contribution, paid life & disability coverage, and more.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the daily care and health of all horses at Longfield Stables, ensuring proper feeding, turnout, and health care routines.
• Conduct riding lessons, trail rides, pony programs, kids’ camps as needed.
• Supervise, train, and manage the stable attendant team, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and productivity in barn operations, including mucking stalls, grooming, tack cleaning, and general related chores.
• Ensure all horses are maintained on the Longfield vaccination and deworming schedule and monitor overall health.
• Create and implement feed programs for each horse, adjusting as needed.
• Coordinate professional appointments such as vet visits, farrier, and other health-related services, and communicate appointments to horse owners and instructors.
• Manage barn supplies, ensuring timely ordering of grain, hay, medical supplies, supplements and equipment.
• Help with maintaining clean and safe facilities, including stalls, barns, paddocks, and arenas.
• Ensure the safety of horses, riders, and staff by adhering to safety protocols during lessons, trail rides, and general barn activities.
• Serve as the point of contact, along with the Equestrian Director, for boarders regarding horse care and health concerns.
• Being the “on call” contact for sick or injured horses, administering medication, bandaging, and other medical care as needed.
• Maintain detailed healthcare records for all horses and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Completing any special healthcare instructions for a horse, such as bandaging, cold hosing, medicating, or assign to staff members as appropriate
• Ensuring that all Equine Care Requests left by boarders are communicated to staff members and carried out as directed
• Assist the Equestrian Director in developing and implementing annual budgets, staffing plans, and operational procedures to improve the efficiency and financial health of the operations.
• Participate in quarterly boarder meetings and regularly engage with Longfield visitors to enhance their experience.
• Participate in weekly line-ups and effectively communicate any changes related to horse care to the staff.
• Assist in the setup and coordination of equestrian-related events and activities in collaboration with the Equestrian Director and Equestrian Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• A.A. Equine degree or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional equine experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within an equine facility.
• Experience providing instruction to riders, from beginner to intermediate levels.
• Strong knowledge of horse care, health, first aid, nutrition, and behavior.
• Ability to administer IV and IM injections, as well as oral medications, eye ointments, wound care, standing wraps…etc.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with a focus on member satisfaction.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of farm machinery (tractors, equipment) preferred.
• Excellent horse handling and husbandry skills.
• High ethical standards and a versatile leadership style.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as walking, standing, lifting, and moving up to 50 lbs.
• Talking and listening occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and subordinates.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and perform duties outdoors.
• Must be comfortable riding and lunging horses as part of the role.
• Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, photocopiers, dolly and other office equipment as needed.

Palmetto Bluff is proud to be an EEO Employer and participates in E-Verify.