STALLION HANDLER
Westbury Stud – Karaka, Auckland, NZ
For over 20 years, Westbury Stud has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry, breeding elite racehorses that succeed on the global stage.
We’re looking for a skilled and dedicated Stallion Handler to join our team. This hands-on role involves working with our current line-up of six stallions and supporting the continued success of our breeding programme. Based in Karaka, this is your chance to help breed the champions of tomorrow.
This is not an entry-level position—prior experience handling breeding stallions is essential.
Why Westbury?
• Work-life balance: Our roster offers 4 days off every fortnight, even during the breeding season (10 day roster as opposed to a 12 day roster each fortnight)
• Competitive salary tailored to your experience
• Onsite accommodation and professional development such as mentoring and internal and external professional development opportunities
• Be part of a team dedicated to producing champions
The Role Includes:
During the breeding season:
• Daily care and handling of stallions
• Handling mares and stallions in the serving barn
• Teasing broodmares and supporting breeding procedures
• Monitoring stallion health, feeding, grooming, mucking out and paddock rotations
• Maintaining animal health records and reporting concerns
• Supporting vet and farrier visits
• Ensuring hygiene in stables and covering sheds
• Parading stallions for clients and guests
Outside breeding season:
• Foal weaning and early handling
• Educating yearlings for sales (leading, loading, walker use, etc.)
• Horse grooming, feeding, mucking out, and stable care
• Supporting yearling prep and client parades
• Ongoing horse management and general stud duties
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
• Has at least 2 years’ experience working with breeding stallions, specifically in a serving barn environment
• Is confident and calm around large, unpredictable horses
• Has proven experience presenting mares for live covers
• Takes pride in their role and works hard at taking first-class care of the horses in their care
• Has strong general horse care and husbandry skills
• Has a proactive and reliable work ethic
• Is flexible to work weekends, early mornings, and evenings as needed
• Brings a collaborative mindset and clear communication skills – can actively contribute to a positive, productive team dynamic
• Has a genuine interest in professional growth
Details
This is a full-time, role averaging 80 hours per fortnight, with hours typically 7:30am – 4:30pm on a ten-on, four-off roster with additional shifts during the breeding season to accommodate early or late coverings.
Start date is flexible – immediate start available or by mutual agreement.
Apply Now
If you’re passionate about stallion care and want to be part of a high-performing, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
All applications must be submitted through our HR platform using the ‘ Quick Apply’ link below.
For any enquiries or technical assistance, please contact us at vacancies@westburystud.com
All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
