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Assistant Horse Riding Instructor Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will have a passion for horses, experience as an instructor/trainer, knowledge ... Providing individual and small group riding lessons for eligible clients, as determined by EPM

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 Maine? The most popular types of Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Maine are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Maine? For Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Maine look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs in Maine are:
What cities in Maine are hiring for Assistant Horse Riding Instructor jobs? Cities in Maine with the most Assistant Horse Riding Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Horse Riding Instructor job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: 

The Equine Specialist works under the direction of the Equine Program Manager (EPM) to ensure appropriate and safe equine programming for clients.  This individual is motivated to have a positive impact on the lives of youth by helping them to engage meaningfully in growth and learning experiences with horses and other animals. They develop transferable life skills including communication, organization and time management, commitment to safety, teamwork, goal setting, follow through and celebration.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for horses, experience as an instructor/trainer, knowledge of stable management, be capable of the physical demands of the role, and have experience working with youth in a residential setting.    

Position Functions & Responsibilities: 

EAP 

  • Facilitating horsemanship classes for small groups in coordination with therapist 
  • Facilitating individual EAP sessions with therapists 
  • Providing EAL sessions in natural horsemanship, mounted and unmounted sessions 
  • Demonstrate compassion for people and animals consisted with the trauma informed workplace 

Instructor  

  • Providing individual and small group riding lessons for eligible clients, as determined by EPM 
  • Ability to safely guide individual and small groups on trial rides  
  • Working in collaboration with EPM, Program Managers, and support staff to coordinate group horsemanship lessons of large groups of clients 
  • Match horses and riders for safety and success 

Trainer 

  • Exercising and schooling horses 
  • Identifying and treating soundness issues 
  • Inspect tack & equipment for proper fit and safety, including tack cleaning and maintenance 
  • Use only non-violent training and communication methods when working with horses 

Barn Management 

  • Assisting the EPM in all aspects of horse care, including grooming, bathing, clipping 
  • Assist the EPM with facilities maintenance and repairs, including fencing and putting in hay, etc. 
  • Recognition of illness and injuries and reporting to EPM 
  • Following treatment plans for illness and injuries as directed by EPM 
  • Supporting and training clients in completing chores  
  • Completing chores as needed to ensure horses/animals receive quality care 
  • Assist during emergencies as needed.  Ability to make decisions regarding calling a vet should the EPM be unavailable.  
  • Ensure proper and prompt communication with EMP of any incidents or concerns regarding either client safety in the barn, or horses' behavior that should be addressed.  
  • Applying knowledge and ability to care for goats and other farm animals.  

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge 

Required Competencies:  

  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to give and receive appropriate and timely communication 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 
  • Ability to dependably & consistently serve as a positive role model to cleints and peers 
  • Strong collaboration skills & teamwork ability 
  • Demonstrates empathy and compassion to support diversity and inclusion 
  • Proven success operating in dynamic and changing environments 
  • Demonstrates sound judgment & professionalism 

Physical & Cognitive Requirements: 

  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical showing the ability to: 
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds 
  • Must be able to carry 50 pounds for 30 feet 
  • Must be able to lift 35 pounds over head 
  • Must be able to traverse irregular, uneven, and steep terrain 
  • Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment 
  • Must be able to adhere to process protocol 
  • Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner 

Required/Preferred Qualifications: 

  • 5+ years of experience working with and riding horses required 
  • Experience with behavior and group management required 
  • College degree in related fields preferred (social work, psychology, human services, etc.) 
  • Certification as an Equine Specialist a plus 
  • Current CPR & First-Aid Certifications, and Certified BHP a plus 
  • Must be able to pass extensive background checks, including fingerprinting 
  • High School Diploma/GED required