So in my attempt to get back in shape and into riding I decided a job at a stable/barn, etc would fit both nicely. I'd get plenty of physical labor and fresh air to help get back in shape and I'd get back into the industry and get a gauge for the market and make some new/refresh old contacts.

But my its hard to find an equine related business that needs full time help. Everywhere seems to want a couple hours in the morning, and a couple at night, or only weekends all day. Or they are snooty barns that want Grand Prix level instructors with qualifications longer than my arm. I'm hoping to find something by the end of the week otherwise its back to retail for me. I know there isn't much money to be had in the market and full time often requires the offer of benefits, but surely a couple full timers is better than a dozen part timers both for the horses and your own safety?

Any ideas on digging up a job? I've posted on every local/national classified thats horse based I can find. At least the free ones. I've been out of the loop for over 5 years but I've still got plenty of horse sense and know-how and I'd really like to do something I enjoy instead of something that pays the bills.

I am not sure where you reside, or how much the pay difference would be. I have seen a good many (think in the country here) bed and breakfast places that also offer horse riding/etc, maybe you could look into something like that. Call a couple of places, act as if you are wanting to either keep your horse there or rent a space out from them, and ask them the qualifying question of how many they have on staff to tend to your horse, maybe you will get someone that slips up and tells you that they need more help and poof you got yourself a place that needs an extra hand. :)