Weekend Barn Staff

Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA)

Location: Cowichan Valley, BC

Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays

Position Type: Part-time, weekend position

About CTRA The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through therapeutic riding, Equine Assisted Learning, and community programs. Our horses are at the heart of what we do, and their care, safety, and well-being are essential to our programs.

We are looking for a responsible, dependable, and motivated individual to join our team as Weekend Barn Staff, with the opportunity to train toward taking a lead role in weekend barn operations.

About the Position

This position is ideal for someone with a strong work ethic, good horsemanship skills, and the ability to take initiative. The successful candidate will help ensure the barn runs smoothly and safely throughout the weekend, supporting our horses, volunteers, staff, and lesson programs.

Saturday includes preparing horses and the barn for therapeutic riding lessons. On Sundays, the successful candidate will work alongside one other staff member and will be expected to take greater responsibility for daily barn operations, horse care, and volunteer support.

We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, capable of working independently, and interested in growing into a leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

- Complete daily horse care, including feeding, watering, grooming, turnout, and general horse management.
- Prepare horses for therapeutic riding lessons and assist with barn setup and cleanup.
- Support lesson operations by ensuring horses and equipment are ready and the barn is organized.
- Provide guidance and direction to volunteers, helping them understand their tasks and follow safe barn practices.
- Complete daily barn chores, including cleaning stalls, maintaining paddocks, and keeping barn areas clean and organized.




- Monitor horse health and well-being and report any concerns promptly.
- Follow CTRA's safety procedures, horse-care standards, and operational guidelines.
- Work collaboratively with other staff while developing the confidence to take the lead on weekends.
- Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for participants, families, volunteers, and staff.

Qualifications and Skills The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience handling and caring for horses, with a solid understanding of safe horse-handling practices.
- A reliable, responsible, and positive attitude.
- The ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and use good judgment.
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to support and direct volunteers.
- Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Physical ability to perform daily barn duties in all weather conditions.
- A willingness to learn CTRA's procedures and develop into a weekend leadership role.
- An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the unique environment of a therapeutic riding facility.

Experience working in a barn, stable, or equestrian program is an asset. Experience supervising volunteers or taking responsibility for daily barn operations is also an asset.

What We Are Looking For

Above all, we are looking for someone who is dependable, takes pride in their work, cares about the well-being of horses, and understands the importance of creating a protected environment for everyone at CTRA.

This is an opportunity for the right person to develop their skills, take on more responsibility, and become a trusted leader within our weekend team.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, interest in the position, and why they would be a good fit for CTRA.

Applications must include a cover letter to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please email your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you!

Pay: $19.00-$23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Weekend Barn staff (North Cowichan)
🏢 Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
📍 North Cowichan