07/22/2026
Full-Time Working Student – Élan Vital Dressage | Ocala, FL
Élan Vital Dressage is seeking a dedicated, motivated Full-Time Working Student to join our growing upper-level dressage program in Ocala, Florida.
This opportunity is designed for someone who is passionate about horses, committed to exceptional horse care, and eager to develop within a professional dressage program.
About Our Program
We are currently a boutique program of eight horses, with plans to expand this winter. Our focus includes training, competition, horse sales, and developing quality partnerships with both horses and clients.
We are proud to have exceptional horses, wonderful clients, and, above all, genuinely good people. We believe a positive culture is just as important as high standards, and we are looking for someone who shares those values.
What We Offer
* Full board for one horse
* Weekly lessons for your horse
* Weekly stipend
* Opportunities to earn additional income through horse shows and other barn responsibilities
* Mentorship in horse management, training, competition, and horse sales
* The opportunity to work with quality horses in a professional, team-oriented environment
Please note: Housing is not available at this time.
Responsibilities
* Daily horse care with meticulous attention to detail
* Feeding, turnout, stall cleaning, grooming, and tacking
* Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient barn
* Assisting with lessons, training rides, and horse show preparation
* Supporting the overall success of the program while maintaining the highest standard of horse welfare
We’re Looking For Someone Who Is
* Reliable, punctual, and hardworking
* Kind, patient, and attentive with horses
* Organized and able to work efficiently
* Eager to learn and take initiative
* Professional, positive, and team-oriented
* Passionate about developing as both a horseperson and rider
We’re happy to teach and mentor someone who comes with an open mind, a positive attitude, and the grit to work hard. Prior experience with feeding, stalls, turnout, and general horse care is required. The finer details of our program, systems, and standards—we’ll gladly teach.
A Few Things About Our Barn…
You’ll probably fit right in if you enjoy:
* A morning Celsius.
* The occasional pastry run.
* Silly conversations before the sun is fully up.
* Weekly theme songs that somehow become the soundtrack of the barn.
* Really hot Florida days (or at least a good attitude about them!).
Most importantly, we’re a team. We work hard, laugh a lot, support one another, and always put the horses first.
We know our horses inside and out—their personalities, routines, and every little quirk. Exceptional horse care isn’t just expected here; it’s who we are. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you’ll grow as a rider and horseperson while being part of a team that genuinely enjoys working together, we’d love to meet you.
To Apply
Please email all application materials to [email protected].
Include:
* Your résumé
* Riding and showing experience (if applicable)
* Previous horse care or employment experience
* Your long-term goals within the equine industry
* Two to three professional or equestrian references
* Photos and/or riding videos (optional, but encouraged)
To learn more about our team, training philosophy, horses, and facility, visit elanvitaldressage.com.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming the right person to the Élan Vital Dressage team!
