Via Nova Assistant Trainer | Level 1

We are currently looking for Priority to Positive® Assistant Trainers, Level I.

We’re on a mission to spread awareness about the benefits of applying positive reinforcement training with horses. We provide equestrians with the transformative knowledge and practical tools they need to implement these techniques in their training practices. Through our Priority to Positive® program we help:

Any rider learn how to enhance the well-being, confidence, and motivation of their horses
Horses become happy and eager participants on the ground and under saddle
Competitors achieve performance breakthroughs

JOIN US IF …

You are a team player committed to a professional career in the horse industry. You believe in putting the horse first and discovering ways to connect with how a horse thinks. You enjoy being in the barn and the classroom, learning or teaching. You love working with and testing new approaches in training, on the ground, and in the saddle. You live in or are willing to relocate to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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You’ll experience incredible rewards while participating in a true revolution in equine training and welfare. And be one of the pioneers in bringing Via Nova’s Priority to Positive® (PtP) to the traditional equestrian world.

The Assistant Trainer Level I Position is a hands-on learning, research, and training position that offers you a uniquely valuable education. You will work with horses from a new perspective as well as teach others the concepts and skills of our Priority to Positive® program. Our goal is to build our Via Nova team by offering career advancement as our PtP program evolves.

This is a full-time employee position at our 50-acre facility, Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center, Lamy, NM, located 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.

This job focuses on learning positive reinforcement and our Priority to Positive® (PtP) approach to train horses as well as to help educate others and teach PtP.

IN YOUR ROLE, YOU WILL:

Participate in foundation training under the leadership of Via Nova’s PtP Supervising Trainer
Participate in our onboarding and classroom program to master the material to instruct others
Under direction, exercise and manage the care of one or more horses, including training plans and riding
Train Via Nova horses with positive reinforcement; researching, testing, and modifying new and current approaches
Create and execute training plans while logging and documenting outcomes visually and in writing
Assist in all aspects of Via Nova presentations, workshops, clinics, competitions, and other events onsite at Via Nova and external venues
Learn and practice becoming an engaging educator and ambassador for positive reinforcement and the Priority to Positive® program, including teaching, giving public presentations, writing, and networking
Research, present, and apply training material to improve skills, knowledge, and the program
Assist with the general welfare of Via Nova’s horses, including exercise, administering medication, participating in night check on a rotating basis, and other barn duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

You are an equestrian:

Committed to, or already pursuing, a professional career in the equine field
Riding experience in a traditional equestrian discipline
- Five or more years of riding experience preferred*
- Work with inexperienced horses, helpful
- Competition record a plus but not mandatory
- Ability to groom, tack, and ride at least three horses for up to an hour each per day
High level of horsemanship
- At least two years of experience training or working at a professional barn or in a collegiate program preferred
- Certification by a formal equestrian training program (USHJA, USDF, USEA, CHA, BHS, etc.) or equivalent is a plus but not required

*Note: Video or in-person assessment of riding skills will be part of the hiring process.

But you are also:

Innovative, open, and a team player
Attentive, collaborative, supportive
Self-motivated and a self-starter
Excited to participate and would thrive in a start-up atmosphere outside your typical barn experience.
Comfortable with a research and development environment with shifting priorities and unknowns
Inspired to research, problem-solve, and test new approaches
Open to learning and discussing new training concepts on the ground and in the saddle
Composed in stressful situations

And you love being at the barn and outdoors!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to fill a physically active, athletic position.
- Lift up to 40 lbs
- Walk up to 8 miles per day
- Work outside for up to seven hours a day in all weather conditions
Must be authorized to work in the United States

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation based on experience
Health Insurance
Time permitting, weekly dressage or jumping lessons and coaching
Potential to compete in shows and events
Expenses paid for development opportunities, including educational seminars, workshops, events, and conferences related to Via Nova’s vision

Want to Apply?
Please complete this application form.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Questions?
Contact us!

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Via Nova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against boarders, riders, employees, or participants on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.