Do I need horse experience to apply?

Experience helps, but requirements vary by employer. Strong candidates can demonstrate safe horse handling habits, reliability for early shifts, and comfort with routine barn work.

What does a Stable Hand / Horse Groom do daily?

Common tasks include feeding, watering, stall cleaning, turnout/bringing in, grooming, hoof picking, tack cleaning, and keeping aisles and equipment areas safe and organized.

No. Any U.S. work authorization depends on the hiring employer, your eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

Stable Hand / Horse Groom Jobs in the USA — H-2B Seasonal | Apply with CV

Barn rhythm (what a strong shift looks like)

This role is built on predictable care: feed/water on time, maintain clean stalls and safe aisles, and handle horses calmly. Employers look for steady output and correct handling—because small mistakes can cause injuries or stress animals.

Work pattern

Routine-based

Daily tasks repeat with stable standards.

Critical skill

Calm handling

Safe movement, leading, awareness.

Quality metric

Consistency

Cleanliness + schedule discipline.

Typical daily flow (example)

Phase	What you do
Start-of-shift	Prepare feed/water, check assigned stalls, confirm turnout plan and safety notes.
Core routine	Muck stalls, refresh bedding (site-dependent), refill water, sweep aisles, remove hazards.
Horse care	Grooming, hoof picking, blanketing/changes (seasonal), basic checks and reporting issues.
Equipment care	Clean tack/brushes, store tools safely, keep wash/groom areas organized.
Close-out	Confirm tasks completed, report injuries/concerns, set up for next routine.

Gross pay reference (brutto) — not an offer

Reference wages aligned with Animal Caretaker data show a median around $16.09/hour gross (national, 2024). Actual offers vary by state, employer type (boarding, training, breeding), and scope of duties.

Reference point	Hourly gross	Weekly gross (40h)
Low (reference)	$11.78	$471.20
Median (reference)	$16.09	$643.60
High (reference)	$22.35	$894.00

Pay & hours (practical, USA):

Pay is typically tracked via timesheets/clock-ins. H-2B roles usually specify pay frequency in the job terms, often at least biweekly. Overtime may apply for non-exempt hourly roles after 40 hours in a workweek, depending on classification and applicable rules.

Short candidate portrait

You fit this role if you are reliable for early starts, comfortable around large animals, and disciplined about safety and cleanliness.

Routine discipline

Feeding and care happen on schedule, including weekends.

Calm under pressure

You keep movements controlled, read horse behavior, and avoid risky shortcuts.

Hygiene mindset

Clean aisles, safe storage, and correct waste handling are part of quality.

Team reliability

You follow barn rules, zones, and report concerns quickly.

Detailed requirements

CV	CV in English is mandatory. Candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
Shift availability	Early starts are common; weekend rotations may apply. Seasonal schedules vary by employer.
Horse handling	Comfort leading horses, respecting safe distances, and following barn handling rules.
Physical capability	Ability to muck stalls, lift feed/bedding (site-dependent), walk and stand for long periods.
Attention to detail	Correct feed/water routines, clean equipment, hazard removal, and consistent stable standards.
Communication	Basic English to understand instructions, safety rules, and report issues.
Nice-to-have	Grooming experience (tack, brushing, hoof care basics), stable recordkeeping, show barn routines.

Note: additional requirements may apply by state, employer, and site policy.

Safety realities (horse-first)

Kick/bite risk: never stand directly behind a horse; keep safe angles and spacing.
Slips and trips: wet wash areas and scattered tools are hazards—store items correctly.
Tool control: pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and hoses must be placed to avoid spooking horses.
Biosecurity: follow barn rules on cleaning tools/boots to reduce disease spread.

Next steps

Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
After CV review, we confirm role fit and seasonal availability.
If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.

Apply with CV Browse all roles

Role variants (to set correct expectations)

“Stable Hand / Horse Groom” can mean different environments. Your daily duties depend on the barn type and season.

Boarding barn / stable

Routine care, cleaning, turnout, and facility maintenance with consistent daily schedules.

Training / show barn

More grooming detail, tack prep, tight timelines, and higher standards for presentation.

Breeding / farm

Seasonal peaks, feeding routines, pasture work, and animal observation/reporting.

Racing stable (site-dependent)

Early starts, rapid routines, and strict safety discipline around high-energy horses.

Work conditions (updated, practical):

Expect early shifts and repetitive tasks. Many sites use checklists and time logs. Pay is issued on a defined schedule, with gross wages shown before deductions on pay statements. Overtime may apply for eligible hourly roles after 40 hours/week depending on classification and applicable rules.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

FAQ

Do I need to ride horses for this job?

Often no. Many stable hand roles focus on care, cleaning, feeding, and grooming. Riding requirements (if any) must be stated by the employer.

What is the most important skill?

Safe, calm handling. A consistent routine and a safety mindset matter more than speed.

What gross pay is typical (reference)?

A national wage reference aligned with animal caretakers shows a median around $16.09/hour gross (2024). Actual pay varies by state, employer type, and duties.

Is this work seasonal?

Frequently yes, especially for H-2B-related demand. Seasonality depends on the employer and their operating cycle.

Related roles in Services

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.