Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC Position: Barn Manager Location: Vermejo Reserve – Raton, NM Type: Full Time / Hourly / Non-Exempt / Benefits Eligible Housing: Yes Anticipated Start Date: January 2027
Are you an experienced equestrian professional with a passion for horse care, team leadership, and exceptional guest experiences? Have you dreamed of working in a world-class hospitality setting surrounded by the natural beauty of northern New Mexico?
At Ted Turner Reserves, we connect people with nature by providing one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences in luxury settings, and we’re looking for passionate, enthusiastic individuals to be a part of our growing team.
Our premier Reserve, Vermejo, is currently seeking a Barn Manager to oversee the Guest Services Barn, wrangling team, and horseback riding program while ensuring exceptional horse care, safe riding experiences, and outstanding guest service.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As the Barn Manager, you will be responsible for the overall supervision and daily operations of the Guest Services Barn and Wrangling Department. This hands-on leadership position combines equine care and herd management with staff supervision, guest riding operations, and maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized barn environment.
You will lead and support the wrangling team, oversee the health and performance of the horse herd, maintain equipment and facilities, and help deliver memorable horseback riding experiences that reflect Vermejo's luxury hospitality standards.
You will also be responsible for:
- Directing the overall supervision and daily operations of the Guest Services Barn and Wrangling Department.
- Establishing and maintaining systems, inventories, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline and improve the horseback riding program.
- Vetting candidates and assisting in the hiring process for wrangling staff.
- Training, supervising, and directing wrangling staff to maintain a clean barn, healthy animals, and a safe working environment.
- Coordinating daily staff assignments, schedules, and operational coverage to support barn operations and guest riding activities.
- Ensuring horses are exercised and ridden daily and that the herd is managed for optimal health, conditioning, and performance.
- Monitoring the health, condition, behavior, and overall well-being of the horse herd and coordinating veterinary and farrier services as needed.
- Maintaining accurate records of horse exercise, riding schedules, shoeing, vaccinations, and other relevant equine care activities.
- Overseeing horse selection and suitability for guest riding activities based on rider experience, horse temperament, and safety considerations.
- Ensuring the Guest Services Barn, stalls, corrals, tack, equipment, and surrounding areas are impeccably clean, organized, and well maintained.
- Inspecting saddles, bridles, helmets, and other riding equipment to ensure proper maintenance, functionality, and guest safety.
- Monitoring inventory and coordinating the ordering and proper storage of feed, hay, bedding, tack, and other barn supplies.
- Assisting with daily barn responsibilities as needed, including feeding and watering horses, cleaning stalls and corrals, grooming and saddling horses, and occasionally leading guest rides.
- Establishing and reinforcing safe horse-handling practices, horseback riding procedures, first aid standards, and emergency response protocols.
- Maintaining the highest level of hospitality service by remaining alert, friendly, and responsive to guest needs and requests.
- Adhering to the quality standards and presentation techniques established for Ted Turner Reserves Guides.
- Ensuring the highest standards of safety, sanitation, first aid, and personal hygiene are maintained.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable New Mexico laws and regulations.
- Coordinating with Activities leadership and other departments to support guest riding schedules, special requests, and operational priorities.
- Communicating guest and staff feedback, operational concerns, and recommendations for improvement to appropriate department leadership.
- Demonstrating a positive, outgoing, and professional approach when interacting with guests and coworkers.
- Actively supporting and assisting other departments as operational needs arise.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
- Minimum of three years of experience in a guest horseback riding operation, including wrangling, equine care, barn operations, and staff supervision.
- Strong knowledge of equine health, nutrition, behavior, and safe horse-handling practices.
- Experience overseeing guest riding activities, including rider safety, horse selection, and emergency response.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read and interpret safety procedures, operating instructions, and prepare routine reports.
- This position requires operation of vehicles, and you’ll need to possess a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Your driving record will need to meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company’s insurance provider.
- You’ll need to present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire pursuant to federal law.
Preferred:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience working in a luxury hotel or resort setting.
YOUR QUALITIES
- You're alert, friendly, and eager to assist guests politely and promptly.
- You demonstrate genuine care and compassion for horses, wildlife, guests, and team members.
- You place a high priority on supporting your team and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
- You speak positively and respectfully about colleagues within and outside your department.
- You're self-directed, energetic, motivated, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities.
- You're creative, adaptable, and willing to work within the resort's established philosophy and service standards.
- You demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, and attention to detail in your daily responsibilities.
- You maintain clean, organized, and safe working environments.
- You conduct yourself professionally both in and outside the workplace.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS
The Company offers full-time employees an elite benefits package, including medical dental and vision insurance, basic life insurance, short term disability, 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off and paid holidays.
ACCOMMODATIONS This position will require you to live in Vermejo headquarters, located approximately 40 miles from the closest town (Raton, NM). Vermejo’s location is approximately 4.5 hours’ drive south of Denver or 4.5 hours’ drive north of Albuquerque.
Vermejo offers single- and double-bedroom dorm room style company housing (subject to availability). You may be subject to sharing a room with one other employee depending on the availability of a single dorm room.
Due to Vermejo's remote location, employees should be comfortable living and working in an isolated mountain environment with limited access to shopping, dining, and other services.
You will need to provide or arrange for your own transportation to and from Raton for personal supplies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
On a regular basis, you can expect to:
- Stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and communicate verbally.
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.
- Handle, lead, groom, saddle, and care for horses as part of daily barn operations.
- Ride horses and assist with guest horseback riding activities as needed.
- Perform physically demanding barn duties, including feeding horses, cleaning stalls and corrals, and moving equipment and supplies.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in varying terrain and weather conditions.
- Work in close proximity to horses and other large animals, including exposure to unpredictable animal movements.
- Remain on your feet for extended periods while performing barn and equestrian responsibilities.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
You may be frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical equipment, outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The position involves working around horses, barn equipment, and uneven outdoor terrain.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, and the work environment characteristics are representative of those you may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodation inquiries must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.
Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.
For more information, visit https://tedturnerreserves.com/careers/.