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Horse Rider Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CA

$50K/yr

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States ...

CA

$50K/yr

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States ...

Showing results 21-22

Horse Rider information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$33

How much do horse rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse rider in California is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the horse rider position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Rider, you need strong equestrian skills, a good understanding of horse behavior, physical fitness, and often prior experience or training in horseback riding disciplines. Many employers prefer riders who have certifications from organizations such as the British Horse Society (BHS) or United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and who are familiar with tack and stable management tools. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for working with both horses and people, such as trainers or owners. These abilities ensure safety, effective training, and high performance in diverse riding environments.

What is a horse rider?

A Horse Rider is a professional who rides and trains horses for various purposes, such as competition, racing, or performance shows. Their duties include exercising horses, improving their skills, and ensuring their well-being. Horse Riders may work in equestrian sports, racing, or entertainment industries. They often collaborate with trainers, owners, and veterinarians to maintain the horse's health and performance. Depending on the role, they may also assist in caring for and grooming horses.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a horse rider?

A Horse Rider’s daily responsibilities commonly include grooming and preparing horses, exercising them through riding sessions, and sometimes assisting with training or rehabilitation programs. Riders often work closely with trainers, grooms, and stable managers to ensure horses are fit, healthy, and ready for their respective activities, such as competition or leisure rides. The role may also involve monitoring horse health, reporting issues to veterinary staff, and helping with basic tack maintenance. Depending on the setting, Horse Riders may participate in events or client demonstrations, contributing to the overall success of the equestrian team.

How much do horse riders make a year?

The annual income of horse riders varies widely based on experience, location, and employment type. Professional equestrians, such as trainers or competition riders, can earn from $20,000 to over $100,000 annually, while those working at stables or as hobbyists typically earn less or may be unpaid. Certifications, skills, and the level of competition or clientele influence earnings in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Rider jobs in California? The most popular types of Horse Rider jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Rider jobs in California? For Horse Rider jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Rider jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Rider jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Horse Rider jobs? Cities in California with the most Horse Rider job openings:
Infographic showing various Horse Rider job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,115 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States-Mexico border.
This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications for 90 days with eligible applicants being referred as vacancies occur. The first cut-off for applications is June 15. Additional cut-off dates are projected for: July 13, 2026; August 10, 2026; September 2, 2026.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off date following your application submission (see Additional Information for dates), including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification requirement. By confirming you meet the selective placement factor you are also acknowledging that you will provide enough detail in your resume to describe your experience performing the full range of activities described in the selective factor.

Applicants must have knowledge, skill and ability to ride horseback sufficient to track, rope, and subdue wild, and/or fractious, unpredictable livestock in rough and remote terrain for the purpose of inspecting, apprehending, and treating, stray, diseased, and/or distressed animals. This work is completed independently.


FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included experience inspecting the premises for irregularities.
  • Interviewing livestock owners and other involved parties to obtain information for investigations and documents findings.
  • Reading and interpreting records and reports to determine applicable information and courses of action.
  • Monitor the activity of livestock to identify risk, inspects and detects problem areas.
OR
Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER