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Exercise Rider Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pomponio Ranch

Rider/FEI Groom

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Exercise, flat, and condition horses at a high level in alignment with the program and lead rider's instructions * Prepare horses for training sessions and competition, including warm-up rides and ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

... rider interactions like authentication, ingress, and egress. The efficient performance of these ... exercise workflows Experience with APIs Understanding API documentation and specifications ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA

... rider interactions like authentication, ingress, and egress. The efficient performance of these ... exercise workflows Experience with APIs Understanding API documentation and specifications ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

... rider interactions like authentication, ingress, and egress. The efficient performance of these ... exercise workflows Experience with APIs Understanding API documentation and specifications ...

99 Ranch Market

Produce Receiver

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Forklift or rider pallet jack experience/certification preferred (or willingness to be trained ... Please exercise caution during your job search. Be wary of unsolicited offers, requests for ...

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$204K - $259K/yr

The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience ... Leverage automated testing of hardware to exercise low-level hardware-software systems. * Cross ...

All JobsExercise Rider JobsExercise Rider Jobs in California

Exercise Rider information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$38

How much do exercise rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise rider in California is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.12 and $21.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exercise rider?

An Exercise Rider is responsible for riding and conditioning racehorses during training sessions to keep them fit and prepared for competition. They follow training instructions from the trainer, ensuring horses maintain proper fitness levels and discipline. The job requires strong riding skills, knowledge of horse behavior, and the ability to handle high-performance horses safely. Exercise Riders often work early mornings at racetracks or training facilities and must be physically fit and experienced in handling various types of horses.

What does an exercise rider do?

A typical day for an Exercise Rider often starts early in the morning, as most training rides take place during the cooler hours before the main stable activities begin. You'll usually be responsible for warming up, exercising, and cooling down several horses under the direction of trainers, following each horse's unique training regimen. The role requires close collaboration with trainers, grooms, and sometimes veterinarians to relay information about a horse’s condition or behavior. Exercise Riders typically work outdoors in all weather conditions, making adaptability and resilience critical. Over time, proven skill and reliability can lead to riding more valuable horses or advancement to senior rider or assistant trainer positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise rider?

To thrive as an Exercise Rider, you need expert horsemanship, physical fitness, and experience riding thoroughbred or racehorses, often acquired through hands-on work or professional riding schools. Familiarity with tack and safety equipment and, in some cases, certifications in equine care or first aid are important. Strong communication, attention to detail, and adaptability help Exercise Riders excel when working with trainers and handling multiple horses. These skills and qualities ensure safe, effective training sessions and support the development and well-being of the horses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Rider jobs in California?

The most popular types of Exercise Rider jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Rider jobs in California?

For Exercise Rider jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Exercise Rider jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Exercise Rider job openings:

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Exercise Rider jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Rider job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,318 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Rider/FEI Groom

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

Pomponio Ranch Stallions
Cattle Farming • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Pomponio Ranch Stallionsexternal

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW
Pomponio Ranch is seeking a Rider/ FEI Groom to support our show jumping program. This is a role designed for someone who can independently ride, manage, and prepare horses at a high level, while also handling grooming responsibilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Exercise, flat, and condition horses at a high level in alignment with the program and lead rider's instructions
  • Prepare horses for training sessions and competition, including warm-up rides and light schooling as directed
  • Execute rehabilitation and conditioning rides as prescribed by the veterinarian and/or lead rider
  • Maintain consistency in each horse's program both at home and while traveling
  • Communicate clearly with the lead rider on horse performance, behavior, soundness, and readiness
  • Perform all FEI-level grooming duties independently, both at home and while traveling
  • Tacking, untacking, bathing, clipping, braiding, and overall presentation of horses
  • Oversee daily horse care including feeding, basic health monitoring, and turnout coordination
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of tack, equipment, and horse areas
  • Travel domestically and internationally (including Europe) as the sole person responsible for assigned horses
  • Ensure horses are properly prepared, managed, and show-ready throughout the competition cycle
  • Support veterinary and farrier visits, including follow-through on care plan

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum 5 years of FEI experience
  • Must be able to travel 30-45 weeks of the year.
  • Proven experience riding and exercising show jumping horses
  • Ability to manage multiple horses independently, both at home and while traveling
  • Strong horsemanship and attention to detail in both riding and care
  • Comfortable working independently while also collaborating with a high-performance team

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Housing, 401k, PTO.

Apply