Barn Foreman/Young Horse Manager

Keswick, VA 22947

Posted: 08/31/2026 Industry: Hunter/Jumper Job Number: 263 Pay Rate: $ 40000.00 - $ 60000.00

Job Description

About The Facility
This beautiful, private facility just outside Charlottesville, VA is home to 4 retired warmbloods and one retired pony in need of a responsible set of eyes! With over 200 acres, 20+ useable stalls, and a spacious indoor arena, this farm was once home to a thriving warmblood breeding and H/J show facility. Now, most of the show crew has shipped down to their 60 acre facility in Ocala, leaving just a small handful of retirees on site in VA. These are homebreds who have earned a lavish retirement, and the highest standard of love and attention.
With the right staff in place, some additional horses (yearlings, TB layups, additional retirees) may make their way back to VA, but the majority of the horses in training will likely remain in Ocala. The horses lucky enough to call this operation home range from foals to Grand Prix jumpers to thoroughbreds in training all the way up to 30-40 year old retirees. The primary focus of this position as it grows will be the management of the retirees, and the early-life care and training of the young sporthorses.
Job Description
This beautiful, private facility just outside Charlottesville, VA is looking for a responsible and trustworthy foreman for their small group of retirees! This person will be the trusted sole-charge caretaker of 4 older horses and one pony, who have earned "the good life" in their retirement. Someone familiar with caring for horses with Cushings and senior horses is essential. While they generally live out, weather conditions may call for stabling the horses from time to time, so this individual should be willing and able to clean stalls and perform basic daily chores, along with their managerial responsibilities. This person should have a genuine passion for horses, and understand that their needs always come first. This is a position where ambition, knowledge, and integrity will be rewarded with growth quickly!

As time goes on, there may be additional horses sent up from the farm's additional location in Ocala, ranging from yearlings to layups to additional retirees. With more horses will come additional staff, so this person must be able to work as a team. A major plus would be an individual willing to hire/train and when necessary fire additional support staff.

Job Requirements

Job Requirements
Basic Farm Chores
- Stall cleaning
- Turnout
- Watering
- Feeding
- Maintaining Cleanliness
*Willingness to occasionally help Maintenance Crew with mowing a ++

Managerial tasks
- Ordering Feed, Shavings, Supplies
- Scheduling Vet/Farrier
- Administering medications (Oral, IV, IM, Topical)
- Bandaging, soaking feet, wrapping feet, etc as needed

Desired Skills for Growth Potential (Preferred Attributes, not all are Essential!)
- Ability to handle youngstock (foals, yearlings, etc)
- Ability to drive truck & trailer
- Ability to teach children the basics of riding (7 grandkids under 7yo!)
- Ability to ride and exercise H/J horses and/or Thoroughbreds (Opportunities to ride/train may grow as time and trust goes on!)
- Ability to source, hire, train, and manage additional support staff

Hours are 7:15am-4:00 PM + a good once-over before bed - an hour will be given for lunch daily
Occasionally, horses may ship in after hours or on a day off and Foreman will be expected to be present
MUST be willing and able to work the weekends!
Benefits
- 5.5 day work week, consecutive days off
- Housing
- 2 weeks paid vacation after first year of employment
- Health Insurance provided after 2 months of employment

** Salary Review will be conducted around the 3 month mark, with potential for significant advancement if performing well**

* Ability to bring 1-2 pets PROVIDED THAT they are well behaved and friendly to other animals, people, and residence
*Ability to potentially bring 1 personal horse on-site after initial period of employment. Horse must be put on the same worming & vaccination schedule as the rest of the farm.
Description of Housing Provided
Private housing will be provided. Short-term availability in on-site guest house is available immediately, long-term arrangements are still To Be Determined.
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About Keswick, VA

Ready to embark on a career adventure in beautiful Keswick, Virginia? Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick offers a perfect blend of charming small-town atmosphere and abundant career opportunities. Imagine working in a place surrounded by historic landmarks like Monticello and the University of Virginia, enjoying delicious local cuisine like traditional Virginian ham, exploring art galleries, and catching a show at the Paramount Theater. Embrace the allure of Keswick with its vibrant cultural scene, stunning parks, and endless recreational activities. Join us in Keswick and let your career flourish in this enchanting region! Explore our job listings now and discover your next professional journey in this unique and captivating area.