Equestrian Program Manager

Job Summary

The Equestrian Program Manager supports the Senior Manager in the development, coordination, and administration of the therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports equestrian program. This role is crucial for ensuring smooth daily operations, assisting in program delivery, and managing various aspects of program administration. The Program Manager will work closely with staff, volunteers, and participants to enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of the program.

This position is a full-time, year-round position with benefits, and it requires occasional weekend and after-hours work, as needed.

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic and adaptive equestrian activities and events.
• Serve as an instructor as needed for mounted riding lessons and unmounted riding programs, adhering to the curriculum and rider progression guidelines established by the Senior Manager.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate part-time Adaptive Riding Instructors including supporting the development of annual goals, prioritizing needs, providing resources, and providing regular feedback.
• Coordinate daily program schedules, including sessions, appointments, and activities.
• Facilitate effective communication between participants, families, and program staff and serve as a point of contact for participants and their families to address questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the riding instruction and participant experiences.
• Ensure that all program materials, equipment, and resources are prepared and available.
• Work directly with the Equestrian Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that all scheduling needs are filled by trained and qualified volunteers.
• Assist with summer camps, trail rides, and special groups.
• Assist in organizing and promoting community outreach and engagement activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to program participants, attendance records, lesson experiences, and rider progress notes.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements in all program activities.
• Conduct regular safety checks of equipment, facilities, and program practices to ensure the highest level of safety for all aspects of mounted and unmounted programs.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with organizational policies and industry standards, specifically all standards and requirements for PATH accreditation.
• Assist with daily care of horses and barn chores as assigned.
• Collect and analyze feedback from participants, families, and staff to assess the program and riding instruction effectiveness.
• Contribute to and makes recommendations to the Senior Manager for the development and implementation of strategies for program improvement and growth.
• Support program evaluations and assists in reporting on program outcomes, participant experiences, and impact.
• Support with “Emergency Horse Transport – On Call” within the equestrian department as assigned.
• Deliver a positive, fun, and collaborative team working environment experience.
• Assist in organizing and executing special events, demonstrations, and fundraisers related to the equestrian program, specifically Barn Party every summer.

• 3 years of experience working in equestrian riding instruction and basic horsemanship.
• Work experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, a related field.
• 1 year of supervisory experience in an equestrian program, or a related field.
• Ability to ride and school a wide variety of horses (i.e. English, Western, bareback, etc.); riding skill proficiency demonstration at a minimum: walk, trot/jog & canter/lope on a variety of horses and disciplines.
• Knowledge of PATH and ability to obtain industry certification(s).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain (NAC will provide a free on-site course, if needed).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Must pass a pre‑employment background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment…