BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A stables guide is responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable recreational activity for guests, of the stables, while guiding a trail ride (riding a horse while supervising the horse line) or while operating the carriage team. This person is responsible for establishing and maintaining a good relationship with our guests; giving a tour of the property, sharing interesting facts, and offering accurate information about Mohonk and our history.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

•Competent horseback rider with ability to mount horse from the ground.
•Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to work; maintain good attendance.
•Display good horsemanship and have a strong fundamental background in horse ailments, conditions, and traits.
•Demonstrate “Horse sense” and interpret herd behavior.
•Assess rider’s abilities and horse behaviors in response to rider’s actions.
•Ensure all riders have accurately signed waiver form and payment receipt.
•Communicate instructions clearly and effectively in an ever-changing/active situation that guests of any age can understand.
•Explain proper safety procedures during the mounting and dismounting process; accurately fit guests to their saddles, stirrups, helmets and other equipment.
•Tack or harness animals prior to (or at end of) carriage or trail ride, completing a safety check of the equipment every time and maintaining equipment condition and appearance.
•Organize horse and riders in trail (lineup) groups in an efficient and safe manner.
•Learn trail routes and historical/interesting facts about Mohonk Mountain House and the surrounding area.
•Encourage, display, and role model proper riding form at all times.
•Follow grooming, feeding/watering schedules for each animal.
•Dispense and apply prescribed medications and treatments to animals.
•Detect and eliminate/reduce potential hazards from and around the trail system and barn area.
•Clean barn, riding arena, paddock, courtyard, and trail system using a golf cart or wagon.
•Lead horses to and from paddocks and riding arena.
•Lead another horse while riding a horse.
•Lead trail rides and drive carriages for up to 3 consecutive hours.
•Lead pony ride for our guests as young as 2 years of age up and down moderate inclines.
•Load hay in/out of the hayloft of barn.
•Work in a manner that will not endanger self or others.
•Handle stressful, noisy, crowded, distracting, and emergency situations calmly, with a level head; including situations involving heights or closed in areas.
•Inspect the work of others by touch, sight, sound and smell for conformance to prescribed standards.
•Work in a hot/cold climate for extended periods of time.
•Maintain a consistent attitude, cheerful, positive, and “can do”. Speak positively about Mohonk, guests, and coworkers.
•Pay attention to operational details while being attentive to guests. (Safety patrol of the barn and surroundings)
•Respond encouragingly with alternate solutions to meet the guest needs or requests; show initiative and take action with an appropriate level of independence.
•Show interest and patience while working with young or adolescent children and novice rider.
•Seek ways to enhance the guest experience in unexpected ways asking, “How can I exceed your expectations?”
•Understand and comply with the policies and procedures of Mohonk Mountain House and department.
•Answer phones in a clear, professional manner, and retrieve voicemails; return calls, accurately record messages, process payment, and follow through.
•Give accurate information, face to face, and over the phone. Maintain a complete knowledge of: stables offerings, policies, and pricing; resort features; activities; and hours of operation.
•Operate POS cash register, differentiate the denominations of U.S. currency and coins, and make change in a timely manner during a transaction.
•Speak, read and write the English language and communicate in a clear and congenial manner, with our guests, visitors and employees. Hear verbal instructions, directions and warnings.
•Speak clearly in front of groups of up to 20 persons; communicate well so that guests of any age can understand.
•See close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
•Reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, stoop, twist and flex arms, walk up and down stairs/inclines, sit, climb up/down ladders or stand for up to 5 hours at a time.
•Lift up to 75 pounds from ground level to waist level and carry a distance of up to 100 yards with/ without assistance. Walk up to 7 miles per day.
•Memorize names of plants, animals, names of guests, and horses/mules.
•Demonstrate proficiency with Windows-based operating systems and use software including MS Word.
•Take reservation and billing information using computer based program with utmost accuracy and detail. Protect personal information of guest.
•Attend/participate in daily shift briefing.
•Establish and maintain positive guest relations and a peaceful riding and/or carriage experience.
•Wear proper protective equipment appropriate to the task being performed.
•Clearly communicate results of efforts, problem resolution steps, and completed tasks verbally and in writing.
•Works independently and as part of a team.
•Adhere to Mohonk Mountain House’s Dress and Grooming Standards; presenting a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance and maintaining a positive, professional image to our customers.
•Learn and successfully demonstrate the Mohonk Mountain House Service Steps with Service Strategies with guests and staff.
•Learn and retain knowledge of historical facts and information about Mohonk Mountain House.
•Maintain a flexible work schedule including days/nights, weekdays/weekends, holidays, and during peak periods of business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Valid Driver’s License and at least 21 years of age, or 20 years of age with at least two years of licensed driving experience.
•Experience working with the general public and in the service industry
•First Aid and CPR Certification preferred

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.