Where are we finding horsey jobs in 2025?

[TinFoilHat]

Was just very very unexpectedly fired from my job a couple of hours ago. I made the mistake of researching what the max pay out per week will be in my state from unemployment insurance and saw that in TN the max is $275…… as the breadwinner with a young child in a daycare/preschool program, this is crushing.

Obviously doing an overhaul on any extracurricular expenditure (said goodbye to all things horse for now), will be applying for jobs fervently starting Monday, selling any of the random horse stuff lingering. Etc.

But in the meantime, between getting back in my field and now, I want to pick up a (preferably) horsey gig during this time. So where are we finding them at?? I joined a couple of Facebook groups but I don’t think I joined the right ones as there’s nothing even in my region. So if that’s how we’re finding them, what are the good groups?! I’m in TN. I’m in all the local groups.

Thanks!!

[TinFoilHat]

And just to get ahead of the well-meaning suggestions that I know are coming: no, I’m not putting all of my eggs in the horse basket for the short term, intermediary gig I’m trying to pick up. Obviously will be looking for those gigs through familiar channels - for this post I’m just asking about the horse jobs since our industry is…… different

[kaya842]

Are you boarding currently? I’ve gotten some one off gigs from my BO just by asking/ letting her know I’m available. Things like clipping and pulling manes. She’s offered some hours teaching too but I haven’t taken her up on it (though I may soon). I would love to get back to grooming at shows as it was semi enjoyable and paid pretty well.

[MHM]

World's #1 Equestrian Recruitment, Equine and Horse Jobs Site | YardandGroom

[TinFoilHat]

I think half of my problem is that my entire area is still down in FL for the season but I’ve offered to pick up shifts and such for her and the associate trainer who is currently running the show!

[TinFoilHat]

Nothing near me

[MHM]

Sorry.

[TinFoilHat]

It’s ok! Appreciate you sending the link.

[Foxglove]

FYI Mule riding buddy does seasonal ranch work in WYO --I’ve looked at the site where she finds jobs and see that some are not as hard core or as horse related --on resorts and summer dude ranches, there are many openings for cooks, kitchen help, house-keepers, etc as well as horse related jobs like actually moving cows, roping, and sort of in-between like trail riding with guests. Her pay is good and her living quarters are part of the deal (as is food). However, the ranches can be isolated --hers is 15 miles from town, but that’s two hours drive unless the road is washed out then it isn’t reachable until it’s fixed. Buddy is hard-core and has many qualifications including ability to pack a mule --rope and shoot (lots of snakes out there). However, she has another gal-pal who often takes a job with her that is “softer” of house keeper for the ranch. Some positions allow families and children.

[luvmyhackney]

Not what you asked for but I made considerable more money as a nanny than any horse job paid.

What you asked for:

Call your vet and see if they are looking for help or know anyone looking. They are usually in the know on who is good to work for or not.

If you aren’t an ammy, traveling to teach lessons for folks to keep horses at home is such a needed service.

Also farm and pet sitting is great for extra cash.

[Paint_Party]

My sister has developed a nice little gig pet and house sitting, dog walking and looking after people’s hobby farms while they’re out of town. It did take her a while to build her resume and gain feedback, but she has a steady client list now. One of the sites she uses to attract clients is Rover.com

[Belmont]

I will third farm & pet sitting! It’s so easy as a reliable horse person to make $$ doing that. Even better if you don’t mind goats and other farm animals or overnights. I made a killing doing this on the side when I was my early 20s attempting to horse show & pay for a lease horse. I started advertising on FB with my experience, and then it took off from there by word of mouth.

Also, as a mom now, I’d pay a horse show baby sitter/nanny and I know about 10 other moms that would as well. If you’re anywhere near a larger horse show venue. They’ve started a FB group for that.

Outside of that - definitely local FB and agriculture groups. You could reach out to local barns yourself and your farrier! People always ask their farriers if they know anyone looking for a job. I’d post an ISO on some of those FB groups as well - if you haven’t already.

Lastly, if you’re anywhere around Lawrenceburg, TN, I can shoot you a contact. She has great connections. She could be a good lead for you!

[GraceLikeRain]

If you make a post on your local Facebook group give some good friends a heads up prior and ask if they’ll give the post some love. Posts that get interaction are much more likely to receive engagement from the community than a floating post advertising services and it doesn’t seem like anyone local knows them or wants to vouch for them.

[Paint_Party]

@Belmont

Also, as a mom now, I’d pay a horse show baby sitter/nanny and I know about 10 other moms that would as well. If you’re anywhere near a larger horse show venue.

This is a FABULOUS idea!

Wish I’d thought of this when I was younger and looking for extra horse $$$.