A horse steward is a professional who is responsible for the proper care and management of horses. The horse steward is responsible for the daily care of the horses, including feeding, grooming, and exercising. They may also be responsible for the maintenance of the horse’s stalls and paddocks, as well as for the safety and well-being of the horses. Horse stewards may work in a variety of settings, including stables, race tracks, breeding farms, and horse shows.
Skills and Qualifications of a Horse Steward
Horse stewards must have a deep knowledge and understanding of horses, as well as the ability to properly care for them. They must be able to recognize signs of illness and injury in horses, and be able to provide the necessary care and treatment. Horse stewards must be physically fit, as they may need to lift heavy hay bales and other supplies. They must also be knowledgeable in horse training, as they will often be responsible for the training of horses.
In addition to the above, horse stewards must have excellent communication skills, as they will be interacting with horse owners and other professionals in the field. They must also be organized and detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for keeping detailed records of the horses in their care.
Responsibilities of a Horse Steward
The primary responsibility of a horse steward is to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses in their care. This includes providing proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming. They must also be knowledgeable in horse health and be able to recognize signs of illness or injury.
Horse stewards must be knowledgeable in horse training and be able to train horses for riding, racing, or show purposes. They must also be familiar with the rules and regulations regarding horse care, and be able to ensure that they are being followed.
Horse stewards must also be able to manage the horses’ stalls and paddocks, as well as maintain the cleanliness of the stables. They must also be able to manage and oversee the staff of the stable, as well as any volunteers.
Daily Duties of a Horse Steward
The daily duties of a horse steward vary depending on the location, but typically include the following:
- Feeding: Horse stewards are responsible for providing the horses with proper nutrition, as well as ensuring that their diets are balanced and meet their individual needs.
- Grooming: Horse stewards must groom the horses regularly, as well as maintain their hooves and manes.
- Exercising: Horse stewards must be knowledgeable in horse training and be able to exercise the horses regularly, as well as prepare them for riding, racing, or show purposes.
- Stable Maintenance: Horse stewards must maintain the cleanliness of the stables and paddocks, as well as manage the staff and volunteers.
- Record Keeping: Horse stewards must be organized and detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for keeping detailed records of the horses in their care.
Educational Requirements
Most employers prefer that horse stewards have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require a degree in equine science or a related field, such as animal science or veterinary medicine. Horse stewards must also have experience working with horses, either through volunteer work or internships.
Certification Requirements
Most employers require that horse stewards be certified in horse care and management. This certification is typically offered by organizations such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners or the United States Equestrian Federation. Horse stewards must pass an exam in order to be certified.
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits of a horse steward vary depending on the location, employer, and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for horse stewards in the United States is $29,190.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for horse stewards is positive, as the demand for horse stewards is expected to increase over the next few years due to the growing popularity of horse racing and other equestrian events.
Working Conditions
Horse stewards typically work in stables, race tracks, breeding farms, and horse shows. The work can be physically demanding, as horse stewards may need to lift hay bales and other heavy supplies. The work can also be emotionally demanding, as horse stewards must be able to recognize signs of illness and injury in horses and provide the necessary care and treatment.
Conclusion
Horse stewards are responsible for the proper care and management of horses. They must be knowledgeable in horse care and management, and be able to recognize signs of illness and injury. Horse stewards must also be physically fit and have excellent communication skills, as they will be interacting with horse owners and other professionals in the field.