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Equestrian Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equestrian Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$19

$40

How much do equestrian instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for equestrian instructor in Virginia is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.33 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an equestrian instructor?

An Equestrian Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to ride horses safely and effectively. They provide instruction on riding techniques, horse care, and stable management while ensuring riders develop confidence and skill. Instructors may work with beginners, competitive riders, or specialized disciplines such as dressage or jumping. They also assess rider progress, create lesson plans, and ensure the well-being of both horses and students.

What does an equestrian instructor do?

A typical day for an Equestrian Instructor involves preparing horses and equipment, leading riding lessons for individuals or groups of varying skill levels, and ensuring the safety of participants at all times. Instructors also spend time assessing student progress, developing lesson plans, and giving constructive feedback to help riders improve. Collaboration with barn staff and other instructors is common, especially for horse care duties and scheduling. Your work environment is often outdoors or in riding arenas, providing a physically engaging yet rewarding experience each day.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an equestrian instructor?

To thrive as an Equestrian Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of riding techniques, horse behavior, and safety procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications such as British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications or equivalents. Familiarity with arena management tools, lesson planning software, and safety equipment is also important. Outstanding communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors tailor their teaching to individual student needs and build positive relationships. Mastering these abilities is crucial for ensuring both rider progression and the safety and wellbeing of both horses and students.

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What job categories do people searching Equestrian Instructor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Equestrian Instructor jobs in Virginia are:

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Infographic showing various Equestrian Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,139 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Middleburg, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor

Salamander Middleburg | Middleburg, VA
Full-Time | $18.00 per hour | Up to 40 hours per week + Service Charges & Gratuities

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our Equestrian team at our luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who enjoys horse care, riding instruction, trail riding, stable operations, and guest service.

The Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor is responsible for the daily care and well-being of our resort horses while creating safe, memorable riding experiences for resort guests of varying ages and experience levels.

What You'll DoHorse Care & Stable Operations
  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.

  • Clean stalls and perform routine barn and stable duties.

  • Clean, maintain, and properly store tack and riding equipment.

  • Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behavior and provide basic first aid when appropriate.

  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized equestrian facilities.

  • Assist with general barn, stable, and facility upkeep.

Riding Instruction & Trail Rides
  • Provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.

  • Teach guests of varying ages and riding abilities using safe and appropriate riding techniques.

  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.

  • Evaluate riders and appropriately match guests with horses based on ability and experience.

  • Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining a strong focus on rider and horse safety.

Children's Equestrian Programs
  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.

  • Provide a welcoming, educational, and safe experience for young riders and their families.

Safety & Equipment
  • Follow established equestrian and horse-handling safety procedures.

  • Maintain safe practices around horses, guests, equipment, and stable facilities.

  • Safely operate a small Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as required.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.

  • Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.

  • Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.

  • Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.

  • Knowledge of classical riding and high-quality horsemanship standards preferred; willingness to learn required.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, children, and team members.

  • Dependable and comfortable working in an active, outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active position that requires the ability to:

  • Stand and walk for extended periods.

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands frequently.

  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

  • Safely lift and move up to 75 pounds.

  • Perform routine horse care and stable duties throughout the workday.

Pay & Compensation
  • $18.00 per hour

  • Full-time schedule of up to 40 hours per week

  • Service charges and gratuities earned when teaching or facilitating eligible guest appointments

  • Bi-weekly pay

Benefits & Perks

Salamander Middleburg offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package for eligible team members, including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Company-Paid Holidays

  • Complimentary Employee Meals

  • Complimentary Uniforms

  • Employee Access Privileges & Discount Programs

  • Friends & Family Discounts on room stays at Salamander properties

  • Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and resort amenities

Join the Salamander Middleburg Equestrian Team

If you are passionate about horses, horsemanship, riding instruction, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to apply to join the Equestrian team at Salamander Middleburg.

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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