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Assistant Horse Riding Instructor Jobs in Rangeley, ME

Assistant Horse Riding Instructor information

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Assistant Horse Riding Instructor job openings in Rangeley, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Ski/Ride Instructor: Winter 2026/2027

ARCTARIS SADDLEBACK SKI OPERATIONS LLC

Rangeley, ME • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Organize and conduct group and private ski or snowboard lessons for children and adults in accordance with guidelines.

  • Deliver quality instruction while providing excellent guest service in a safe environment.

  • Attend training sessions, learn safety procedures, and communicate effectively with guests and staff.


Job description

Hiring for 2026/2027 Ski Season. Interviews will begin mid-late summer.


Basic Function and Overview:   Certified Professional Instructors will deliver quality ski/snowboard instruction to groups and individuals, providing great guest service in a safe and fun environment.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities:

                Duties include, but are not limited to: 

Ski School Uniform are only to be worn when teaching or in an approved clinic/peer coaching session on approved terrain. 

  • Pass background check before working with children.
  • Organize and conduct both group and private ski or ride lessons for children and adults in accordance with the resort’s and AASI guidelines.
  • Adhere to the Arctaris Saddleback Safety Manual, Employee Manual, and “Ski for Work” Policy.
  • Deliver outstanding customer service as an ambassador of Saddleback.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for skiing/snowboarding in your teaching and riding.
  • Attend required “Ski for Work” and safety training sessions. You must have Supervisor sign off on the “Ski for Work” policy.
  • Have your bindings checked prior to the start of the season.
  • Attend clinics and study PSIA/AASI literature to learn strategies/exercises for teaching ski or snowboard lessons and practice these exercises.
  • Be on time for lessons, prepared to teach.
  • Use appropriate exercises, terrain and lifts for the level of students that you are teaching.
  • Learn emergency procedures in the event that there is an injury in a lesson. Complete all accident reports with witness statements.
  • Communicate effectively with guests, staff members and the Ski School Supervisor.
  • Communicate conflicts to the director.
  • Report on the job injuries to the director immediately. Accident reports must be completed within 24 hours.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • High level intermediate to expert level skiing and snowboarding skills.
  • Excellent communication and guest service skills.
  • Must work well in a team.
  • Must be able to work holidays and weekends.

Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • A worker’s permit may be applicable.
  • PSIA/AASI Level 1 Certified is preferred

 

Physical Demands:

  • Lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Skate and/or climb uphill to assist students.
  • Adequate (knee, hip and shoulder) joint stability and physical strength and endurance to perform prolonged periods (3+ hours) of sustained snow sport instructional activities.
  • Able to remain on feet, in the cold, rain, snow, and wind for more than 4 hours at a time.
  • Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and other unplanned situations.


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily- reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of this resort and position, the responsibilities of this position may change.