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Assistant Horse Riding Instructor Jobs in Colorado

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor StableStrides is a ... with horses. We are a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and the oldest center of our kind in ...

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Assistant Horse Riding Instructor information

What are some common challenges faced by assistant horse riding instructors when working with beginner riders?

Assistant Horse Riding Instructors often encounter challenges such as helping beginners overcome fear or nervousness around horses, ensuring clear communication of foundational riding techniques, and maintaining safety for both riders and animals. Patience and adaptability are essential, as each learner progresses at their own pace and may require different teaching approaches. Instructors also need to collaborate closely with the lead instructor to provide consistent feedback and support, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.

What is an assistant horse riding instructor?

Assistant Horse Riding Instructors help lead riding lessons, supervise students, and care for horses at riding schools or stables. They typically work under the guidance of a qualified instructor, assisting with lesson preparation, safety checks, and beginner instruction. Their responsibilities may also include grooming horses, tacking up, and helping riders of all ages improve their skills. This role is ideal for individuals with strong horse handling skills who are interested in teaching and equestrian care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant horse riding instructor?

To thrive as an Assistant Horse Riding Instructor, you need a solid understanding of horsemanship, basic riding techniques, and often an equine-related qualification or instructor accreditation. Familiarity with stable management software, safety protocols, and first aid certification is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and an encouraging attitude are valuable soft skills for effectively teaching and motivating students of all ages. These competencies ensure safe lessons, promote student progress, and foster a positive learning environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Horse Riding Instructor vs Riding Instructor?

AspectAssistant Horse Riding InstructorRiding Instructor
CertificationsTypically requires riding certifications, CPR, first aidSame as assistant, often with additional teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist in lessons, support senior instructors, work at riding schools or stablesLead lessons, instruct students independently, work at riding schools or equestrian centers
ResponsibilitiesSupport instructor, supervise students, ensure safetyPlan and deliver riding lessons, assess student progress, ensure safety

The main difference between an Assistant Horse Riding Instructor and a Riding Instructor is that the assistant supports and assists with lessons, while the riding instructor leads and conducts lessons independently. Both roles require similar certifications and work in equestrian environments, but the riding instructor has greater responsibility and autonomy in teaching.

What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado? For Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Assistant Horse Riding Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Horse Riding Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Program Manager and CTRI

StableStrides

Elbert, CO

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

StableStrides is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization whose mission is to significantly improve lives through a connection with horses. We are a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and the oldest center of our kind in Southern Colorado. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Program Manager to lead our programs into their next phase of growth and impact.

The Program Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the coordination and administration of all StableStrides programs. These programs include, but are not limited to: Adaptive Riding, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy services (aka Hippotherapy), Mental Health, and Learning, Leadership, and Growth services (aka Equine Assisted Learning).

Position: Full-time, non-exempt, Monday–Friday with occasional evenings/weekends for trainings/events; reports to Executive Director.


Salary: $20-$25/hour, depending on qualifications, with optional medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and retirement, as well as paid holidays and PTO.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead overall strategy, planning, and implementation of StableStrides programs.

  • Partner with fundraising and leadership teams to align program growth with organizational sustainability.

  • Strategize, plan, and implement programs that effectively meet community needs and client goals, adhering to PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation standards.

  • Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and lead instructors and instructors-in-training, fostering a supportive, team culture.

  • Provide 5–25 hours of direct client services per program week, depending on program size and need; assist in classes when substitutes are not available.

  • Steward program resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, records, supplies, capital) to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Success Measures

  • Design and run efficient, effective programs where at least 80% of clients achieve their goals.

  • Manage and oversee program budgets so net program revenue remains within the annual budget.

  • Ensure a high-quality client experience, with at least 90% of adaptive services clients reporting high satisfaction.

  • Foster instructor retention and satisfaction, aiming for 95% of staff reporting high satisfaction with the Program Manager.

 

Qualifications

  • REQUIRED: PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (Advanced level instructor is a plus)

  • PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification, preferred

  • 3+ years’ experience leading instructor teams and program management

  • 5+ years’ experience instructing at a PATH center

  • Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of disabilities, precautions/contraindications, and adaptive riding teaching techniques

  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills

  • Excellent computer skills with experience with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and preferred experience with Salesforce 

 

Working Environment

This role includes both office and equine-facility environments, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

StableStrides is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Candidates may be subject to background screening and a pre-employment drug screen.