Equestrian Trail Guide

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, the development encompasses a private member’s only club which includes a marina, restaurants, an equestrian center, a shooting club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature 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 which pay homage to the region’s rich heritage.

Job Summary:

The Equestrian Trail Guide will be responsible for safely implementing and executing daily trail rides as well as horse care and stable maintenance. They will be responsible for the overall experience of each guest including greeting, helmet fitting and safety instruction, mounting, on-trail safety and guidance, and dismounting.  Equestrian Trail Guides will also be responsible for the safety and welfare of all Palmetto Bluff equines both before, during, and after each trail ride.  Each trail guide will ensure a consistently high level of professionalism, member satisfaction and pride in the Longfield Stable’s experience.

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.

Wage Structure:
Equestrian Trail Guides are paid their hourly wage plus commissions.

Essential Job Functions:   

• Responsible for member and guest safety and satisfaction through the entirety of the trail ride experience
• Execute all processes of the trail ride in a manner that is professional, friendly, and safety-oriented from guest arrival to departure
• Ensure proper saddling and bridling techniques for the comfort and safety of both horse and rider both prior to and during ride time
• Ensure rider safety and education throughout the experience including helmet-fitting, mounting, riding, and dismounting
• Assist daily with horse care including but not limited to: turnout, am & pm feeding, medicating, saddling, cooling down, bathing, blanketing, and basic wound care
• Proactively monitor all trail horses daily to assess for wounds, health concerns, or fitness needs and report to Head Trail Guide immediately for possible substitution
• Ensure stables and grounds are prepped prior to guest arrival and clean all areas thoroughly at the end of the workday which may include but is not limited to: stall cleaning, blowing, sweeping common areas, tack cleaning and general grounds maintenance
• Assist in special events, team building sessions, corporate events, and any other equine activities performed by Longfield Stable’s staff as appropriate
• Execute necessary equine fitness both in arena and on the trail as prescribed by the Head Trail Guide
• Report to the Head Trail Guide daily on horse welfare 
• Report to Head Trail Guide all safety incidents and/or member or guest dissatisfaction
• Maintain a consistent knowledge of Palmetto Bluff’s conservation initiatives and provide each guest with basic knowledge of local flora and fauna 
• Support the entirety of the Longfield Stable’s staff to ensure all associates can provide a high level of member and guest satisfaction and equine safety 

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years riding experience
• Minimum 1 year in professionally leading a trail ride
• Excellent husbandry and handling skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent horsemanship skills with a focus on equine welfare, tack, and basic training techniques

• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Ability to stay calm in tense and potentially dangerous situations that may arise on horseback 
• Strong organization skills and attention to details
• Ability to communicate clearly, maturely, and compassionately with members and guests of all ages

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, fluency in English.

Physical Demands:

• Work tasks may be performed both indoors and outdoors. Will encounter variable outdoor weather conditions, including hot, cold, windy, and wet weather
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• May need to remain standing for extended periods of time
• May be in the saddle for 4-6 hours daily 
• Able to work near moving/mechanical parts
• May require grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity
• Talk and listen continuously in the process of communicating with guests and supervisors
• Visualize continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception
• Will requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment
• 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.