Join the Herd That Heals: Live-On-Site Horse Care Specialist Wanted

Tecate Horse Rescue is looking for one exceptional person—not just someone who loves horses, but someone with the knowledge and experience to recognize illness, prevent problems before they become emergencies, and help our rescued horses thrive.

This is not primarily a grooming or ranch hand position. The heart of this role is horse health management and preventive care.

If you have the experience to identify subtle changes in a horse's condition before they become life-threatening, we would love to hear from you.

About Tecate Horse Rescue

Located on a beautiful 100-acre off-grid ranch in Tecate, California, Tecate Horse Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, training, and rehoming horses that have experienced neglect, abuse, abandonment, or owner hardship.

Many of our horses arrive frightened, underweight, injured, elderly, or with significant medical needs. Every horse deserves someone who notices when something isn't right.

That someone could be you.

Our motto is:

The Herd That Heals

Not only do we help horses heal, but our rescued horses help people heal through education, wellness experiences, and community outreach.

The Primary Purpose of This Position

Monitor Horse Health & Provide Preventive Care

This is the most important responsibility.

You will be the person who sees our horses every day and notices the small changes that often prevent major medical emergencies.

You should be comfortable recognizing changes such as:

• Appetite or water intake
• Weight gain or loss
• Hydration
• Manure and urination
• Lameness
• Heat or swelling
• Cuts and injuries
• Colic symptoms
• Respiratory problems
• Behavioral changes
• Hoof issues
• Signs of pain or discomfort

Early recognition saves lives.

Position Summary

Position: Live-On-Site Horse Care Specialist

Location: Tecate Horse Rescue, Tecate, California

Employment: Full-Time

Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• Wednesday through Sunday
• Monday and Tuesday off

Because horses don't work on a schedule, you must also be available for horse emergencies after hours when needed.

This is a live-on-site position. Living on the ranch is required.

Responsibilities

Your duties will include:

• Daily monitoring of every horse's health and condition
• Recognizing illness or injury early
• Implementing preventive care programs
• Feeding and watering horses
• Grooming and basic handling
• Administering medications and supplements as directed
• Maintaining health and feeding records
• Working with veterinarians and farriers
• Assisting with horse handling, groundwork, and training
• Helping coordinate volunteers
• Cleaning paddocks and maintaining safe facilities
• Basic ranch maintenance and repairs
• Responding to horse emergencies when necessary

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong knowledge of equine health and preventive care
• Experience recognizing illness and injury
• Experience handling horses safely
• Confidence working with neglected, traumatized, or senior horses
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lift feed, hay, and equipment
• A positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed

Preferred Qualifications

The following are a strong plus:

• Horse training experience
• Colt starting or gentling experience
• Natural horsemanship background
• Experience working in rescue or rehabilitation
• Experience hauling horses
• Experience supervising volunteers

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have the legal right to work in the United States
• Hold a valid California driver's license (or be able to obtain one)
• Be able to haul horses safely
• Live on the ranch
• Be willing to respond to horse emergencies after hours
• Be dependable, compassionate, and committed to excellent horse care

What Makes This Position Different?

This isn't a large commercial boarding stable.

This isn't a breeding farm.

This isn't a riding lesson barn.

Every horse here has a story.

Some have been abused.

Some have been neglected.

Some have been abandoned.

Many simply needed someone willing to give them another chance.

Your knowledge and observations may literally save a horse's life.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly wage
• Full-time employment (40 hours per week)
• Live-on-site accommodations
• Opportunity to work with an incredible team of rescued horses
• Meaningful work that changes lives—both equine and human

Is This Position Right for You?

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Loves horses enough to notice when something isn't right.
• Believes prevention is better than treatment.
• Enjoys working outdoors.
• Wants to make a lasting difference.
• Understands that rescue work is demanding but deeply rewarding.

If you're looking for "just a job," this probably isn't it.

If you're looking for meaningful work where your knowledge can directly improve—and sometimes save—the lives of horses, we'd love to meet you.

How to Apply

Please send the following to:

📧 info@tecatehorserescue.com

Include:

• Your resume
• A brief introduction about yourself
• Your horse experience
• Your experience monitoring horse health and preventive care
• Any certifications or specialized training
• Your availability to start

Help Us Continue Building The Herd That Heals.

Every rescued horse deserves someone who knows what healthy looks like—and recognizes when something has changed.

If that's you, we encourage you to apply today.