Careers & Opportunities
Riding Instructors
Full-Time and Part-Time Instructor Positions Available | Housing Available | PATH Certification Support | CTRI Not Required | Professional Development
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is seeking full-time and part-time instructors to join one of the country’s longest-established therapeutic horsemanship programs.
For more than 50 years, Thorncroft has provided adaptive and recreational riding opportunities for children and adults while creating meaningful careers for professionals who believe in the power of horses, horsemanship, and inclusion.
We offer something increasingly difficult to find in the horse industry: the opportunity to build a sustainable career working with both horses and people.
Located on a beautiful 70-acre property in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Thorncroft offers an established program, exceptional horses, experienced colleagues, and the opportunity to grow professionally within a collaborative team.
Housing is available for qualified candidates.
The Opportunity
We are looking for instructors who are excited to teach, learn, and grow within a well-established therapeutic horsemanship environment.
Our instructors work with a diverse range of riders and have the opportunity to develop their skills in adaptive riding, horsemanship, lesson planning, equine care, and program development.
Depending on experience and interests, instructors may also have opportunities to develop specialty programs and take on additional leadership responsibilities over time.
What We Offer
Full-time and Part-time employment with a well-established therapeutic horsemanship organization
- Competitive hourly or salary compensation, based on experience and qualifications
- Benefits Package for qualifying Full-Time employees.
- Housing provided or substantially subsidized for qualified candidates
- Utilities included or partially included, depending on housing arrangement
- PATH International membership and continuing education opportunities
- Support toward PATH Intl CTRI certification
- Paid professional development
- Generous vacation and sick time, consistent with organizational policy
- Opportunity to develop specialty programs based on your interests and expertise
- Potential advancement opportunities as your experience and responsibilities grow
- An established adaptive riding program with a strong reputation in the field
- The opportunity to work with an exceptional group of horses
- A collaborative team of experienced equine and program professionals
Why Thorncroft?
A career with Thorncroft is about more than teaching riding lessons.
You will become part of a community that has spent more than five decades demonstrating what is possible when horses, skilled instruction, and an inclusive approach to horsemanship come together.
You will have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with riders and families, deepen your professional expertise, and contribute to a program with a long history and a strong future.
Whether you are already experienced in therapeutic horsemanship or are an accomplished riding professional looking to build expertise in the field, Thorncroft can provide the environment, mentorship, horses, and professional support to help you build a career.
We Are Looking For
Successful candidates with:
- Strong riding and horsemanship skills
- Saturday availability
- Experience teaching riding lessons
- A genuine interest in working with people of diverse abilities and backgrounds
- Professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills
- A willingness to learn and work collaboratively
- A commitment to horse welfare and high standards of equine care
- The ability to work as part of a team in a busy farm environment
- A desire to grow professionally within the field of therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship
PATH Intl. CTRI certification is a plus, but not required. Thorncroft is committed to supporting the professional development and certification of qualified instructors.
Build Something Long-Term
If you are looking for a position that combines horses, teaching, meaningful relationships, professional development, and the opportunity to build a sustainable career, we would like to meet you.
Join Thorncroft and build your career in therapeutic horsemanship.
Full-Time and Part-Time positions available. Housing available for qualified candidates.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and relevant certifications, to jenny@thorncroft.org
In your cover letter, please include a brief summary of your riding experience and teaching philosophy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to compassion, professionalism, respect, and excellence in equine care.
Lead Barn Assistant
Full-Time | Malvern, PA
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on horse professional to join our team as a Lead Barn Assistant.
For more than 55 years, Thorncroft has enriched lives through adaptive and recreational horsemanship. As a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and EQUUS Foundation Guardian and Mentor, we are committed to exceptional horse care, operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive community for participants, volunteers, and staff.
Working closely with the Director of Equine Operations, the Lead Barn Assistant plays a key leadership role in supporting the daily care of our horses, maintaining an organized and efficient barn, and helping lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Position Overview
This is a full-time, hands-on position for an experienced horseperson who enjoys both daily barn work and leading by example. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, and passionate about providing outstanding horse care while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven team.
Because the health and safety of our horses is our highest priority, this position includes on-site housing and requires the successful candidate to reside on the Thorncroft campus as a condition of employment. Living on-site ensures timely response to equine emergencies and supports the continuous care of our herd.
Responsibilities
Horse Care
- Feed horses according to established feeding programs
- Prepare and administer supplements and medications as directed
- Monitor horses daily for illness, injury, soundness, and behavioral changes
- Assist with turnout, blanketing, grooming, and conditioning routines
- Prepare horses for lessons, clinics, horse shows, and special events
- Assist with clipping, bathing, and overall horse presentation
Barn Operations
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe barns, stalls, and common areas
- Assist with daily opening and closing procedures
- Monitor inventories of hay, grain, bedding, supplements, and barn supplies
- Support facility maintenance and operational readiness
- Assist with event preparation and logistics
Leadership & Team Support
- Assist in supervising barn assistants, volunteers, working students, and community service personnel
- Train new team members on Thorncroft procedures and safety standards
- Assign and monitor daily tasks as directed
- Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment
Operational Support
- Assist with veterinary, farrier, and dental appointments
- Report horse health concerns and facility maintenance needs promptly
- Provide operational oversight in the absence of the Director of Equine Operations
- Respond to equine emergencies and urgent facility needs as required
Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of professional horse care experience
- Experience in lesson, therapeutic, boarding, or training barn environments
- Strong horse handling and stable management skills
- Previous experience supervising or mentoring staff, students, or volunteers
- Knowledge of feeding programs, medications, turnout, blanketing, and horse health management
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability and willingness to reside in the on-site living quarters as a condition of employment
- Commitment to professionalism, safety, and exceptional horse welfare
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to safely handle horses of various sizes and temperaments
- Ability to bend, stoop, climb, push, pull, and perform physical barn work
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time position (40 hours per week)
- Schedule includes weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings
- Additional hours may be required for emergency horse care or special events
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- On-site living quarters provided as part of the compensation package
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work at one of the region’s premier adaptive horsemanship centers
- On-site living accommodations
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Beautiful 70-acre facility with exceptional horses and equine facilities
- Meaningful work that makes a lasting impact on participants, horses, and the community
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to tiffany@thorncroft.org. In your cover letter, tell us about your equine experience, leadership background, and what interests you about joining the Thorncroft team.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thorncroft Equestrian Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to compassion, professionalism, respect, and excellence in equine care.
Support the Farm!
Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided a safe haven for children and adults with and without disabilities. The Farm now includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space and two beautiful indoor arenas… but the work does not stop there.
Learn more about the many ways you can support Thorncroft.
