Have you been browsing the many job postings on our backpacker job board that require a stable hand? You’ll often find them in our farm jobs category.
Wondering if you could do it?
To work as a stable hand in farms around Australia, you don’t necessarily have to have previous experience with hay, poo, feed, or stiff brushes, but you have to be able to work hard and love the animal in question.
Working with horses is a tough job, not only because you run risk of getting kicked in the teeth whilst shovelling the poo, (got to keep your wits about you) but because you have to love the animal to want to be there. And for those horse lovers out there, there is no better place to be than in the stalls, one on one, caring for these magnificent creatures.
What does it entail?
Your tasks will most likely include a daily routine of mucking out the stables and preparing fresh hay for bedding, as well as a lot of sweeping, grooming and feeding. Then you may get to go outside to give these beasts some exercise by leading them around the field a bit, maybe even trotting around for some tasks here and there. Some travel with the horses may be required, as you become their ‘go to’ person for everything they could possibly need whilst away from the farm. Basically you’re the horses PA, but with brush, bucket and saddle instead of mobile phone, take away coffee and day planner.
All year round the hours are long, and you may be spending more time with horses than other people, but the peers in this community are likeminded souls who understand your need to work well at the job.
Is this you?
Working as a stable hand is a great position for someone who wants to learn more about working with horses and when you are not receiving training on the job, there are many courses around to help you excel if it turns into a career choice for you. But you’ll never know until you try!
If you fit the bill, aren’t afraid of hard work and a bit of physical labour (you’d be surprised how heavy hay can get) but most importantly, have an affection for the stunning, majestic, mammal we call ‘Horse’, then you should have a look at the jobs listed under Stable Hands or Farm Work on the backpacker Job Board.
