Horse Jobs for Kids

Finding a job with horses is a way for kids to get a realistic idea of what horse care entails. Kids who want to ride horses or ask their parents to buy a horse often do not realize the amount of work involved. Learning proper care is part of horsemanship, It may not be easy for very young kids to find work around horses, but there tasks suitable for every level of experience. Some horse farms and lesson barns will consider a work-to-ride arrangement.

  1. Barn and Stall Cleaning

    • Kids can learn to clean horse stalls.

      Cleaning horse stalls and barns is a way for kids to jump into horse care with a big dose of reality. Horse stalls must be cleaned at least once a day. This "mucking" of stalls is a basic requirement of horse ownership. It may take a young child more time to be proficient at mucking, but it allows them to put forth their best effort even if you need to finish the job. Barn aisles also need to be cleaned and kept clear of clutter; this job may be easier for younger children.

    Cleaning Tack

    • Cleaning saddles is an important job kids can do.

      Cleaning tack is an ideal job for kids who want to be around horses. It helps them identify parts of necessary horse equipment; teaches them how to put tack pieces together, such as bridles; demonstrates the importance of inspecting tack for safety issues, such as worn spots, tears, and missing buckles; and gives them hands-on experience on the importance of proper tack care, which can prolong the life of riding equipment.

    Horse Grooming

    • Kids can learn to check and clean horses' feet.

      As kids gain more experience around horses, they can get jobs grooming and cleaning them. Horses need to be brushed before and after riding, and on a regular basis even when they are not ridden. Their hooves need to be checked for rocks and other debris, and cleaned out with a hoof pick. After a hard work-out, horses may need to be hosed off or even bathed with shampoo. More advanced kids can pull manes and do the clipping work, such as bridle paths.

    Horse Walking and Exercise

    • Kids can learn to lead horses for exercise.

      Some horses may need to be hand-walked daily, such as horses recovering from an injury, or those who need a light warm-up before being ridden. This is a good job for kids who have some horse handling experience; those who are younger or with limited handling experience should limit this activity to well-behaved and quiet horses. Some barns have "hot-walkers" that you can tether horses to; the hot walker takes the horses slowly in a circle. Kids can hook the horses up to the hot walker, keep an eye on them and then return the horses to their stalls or paddocks when their exercise time is over.