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Horse Riding Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coach/mentor participants in the Vocational Training Program * Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the conditioning of horses. Key Qualifications ...

Coach/mentor participants in the Vocational Training Program * Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the conditioning of horses. Key Qualifications ...

Fritz's Adventure Camp Attendant

Boyne Falls, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

... canoeing, horseback riding, singing and reading with children * Immediately treating and/or ... Coaching children and recommending measures for behavior control * Reporting any camper behavioral ...

$70K - $75K/yr

Activities like photography, fishing, hiking, climbing, skiing, camping, & horseback riding are ... Provide ongoing coaching on horsemanship, safety, guest service, and environmental responsibility.

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Horse Riding Coach information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horse Riding Coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Riding Coach, you need expertise in equestrian techniques, horse care, and riding safety, often supported by certifications from organizations like the British Horse Society or United States Equestrian Federation. Familiarity with training aids, safety equipment, and stable management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and motivational skills help coaches effectively teach and inspire riders of varying abilities. These skills ensure both rider safety and progress, while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

What are some common challenges a Horse Riding Coach faces when working with students of varying skill levels?

A Horse Riding Coach often works with students ranging from complete beginners to advanced riders, which can present challenges in lesson planning and communication. Adapting teaching styles and safety protocols to suit each rider’s experience and confidence level is essential. Coaches must also balance group dynamics, ensuring that everyone progresses while maintaining a positive and supportive environment. Building trust with both riders and horses is key to overcoming these challenges and fostering a productive learning atmosphere.

What does a horse riding coach do?

A horse riding coach teaches individuals how to ride horses safely and effectively, catering to various skill levels from beginners to advanced riders. They instruct on riding techniques, horse care, safety protocols, and sometimes prepare riders for competitions. In addition to providing lessons, they may also assess riders’ abilities, develop personalized training plans, and ensure the well-being of both horses and riders throughout the learning process.

What is the difference between Horse Riding Coach vs Horse Trainer?

AspectHorse Riding CoachHorse Trainer
CertificationsEquestrian coaching certifications, riding instructor licensesHorse training certifications, equine behavior courses
Work EnvironmentRiding schools, equestrian centers, private lessonsStables, training facilities, farms
Employer & IndustryEquestrian centers, riding academies, private clientsBreeding farms, training facilities, equestrian sports

While both roles involve working with horses, a Horse Riding Coach primarily teaches riding skills and techniques to students, focusing on riding instruction and safety. A Horse Trainer, on the other hand, specializes in training horses for specific disciplines or behaviors, often preparing horses for competitions or performance. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Horse Riding Coach jobs
Infographic showing various Horse Riding Coach job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Full Time, 90% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Riding Instructor/Eventing Coach

Riding Instructor/Eventing Coach

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location : 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH
Job Type: Administrative Staff
Job Number: 00496
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Equine Science
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
DESCRIPTION
Otterbein University is seeking a skilled and dedicated Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach to support its Equine Science program through instruction, coaching, and equine care. This position is responsible for teaching riding classes, coaching the eventing team, supporting recruitment and equine center operations, and contributing to the overall care of horses and facilities.
The Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide a high-quality educational and competitive experience while maintaining a safe and effective equine environment. This is a full-time, exempt position working 9 months per year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction & Student Support
  • Teach riding lessons to Otterbein University students and the public, delivering between 18 and 22 lessons per week during the academic year.
  • Assist with student scheduling and barn orientation.
  • Maintain accurate grade and attendance records.
Equine Care & Facility Support
  • Assist in the maintenance of the school horse herd, including grooming, exercising, daily chores, and participation in the health care program.
  • Support stable operations, including feeding, turnout, watering, and general care of horses.
  • Assist in the rehabilitation of injured horses.
  • Provide ongoing schooling of horses owned or leased by Otterbein University.
  • Provide input on the suitability of horses being considered for donation.
  • Ride Otterbein-owned horses under instruction in clinics and outside lessons when funding is available.
  • Help maintain riding and grooming equipment.
  • Support barn staff in the care of the facility and horses.
Coaching & Competition
  • Coach and oversee the Otterbein equestrian teams.
  • Maintain a competition program in alignment with department-stated competition guidelines.
  • Determine the eligibility and ability of students selected to represent the University in competition in accordance with association and departmental guidelines.
  • Organize travel for riders and horses.
  • Maintain a high visibility presence within local and national equestrian communities while competing at USEF competitions.
  • Maintain active involvement with intercollegiate organizations.
Recruitment, Outreach & Department Support
  • Assist with recruiting efforts.
  • Support promotional programs such as tours and trade fairs.
  • Assist with tours, academic interest days, and orientation events.
  • Support the Equine Department faculty, Business Manager, and Barn Manager with essential duties.
  • Assist the Business Manager and Barn Manager with on-call responsibilities, including horse care emergencies and staff shortages.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree preferred in a field related to animals.
  • Extensive competitive eventing experience at the preliminary level and above required.
  • Strong horsemanship skills with experience training both horses and riders in a variety of disciplines.
  • ICP certifications and recognized show experience in other disciplines preferred.
  • Knowledge of IHSA, IDA, and/or IEA beneficial.
  • Commitment to equine care and student safety is essential.
Certifications, Licenses & Additional Requirements
  • USEF membership required.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Ability to obtain Otterbein Decision Driving certification.
  • Experience hauling horses required.
Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, including grammar.
  • Competency in general math.
  • Knowledge of general office procedures and ability to use standard office equipment.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong customer service orientation and ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The role requires frequent talking, hearing, sitting, reaching, and repetitive hand and wrist motions. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, and bending are required. The individual must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repetitively and occasionally push or pull up to 100 pounds. The position requires the ability to handle and ride horses in teaching, training, and show environments and maintain close vision. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Duties are performed primarily in an outdoor setting with changing environmental conditions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents
  • Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
  • 10 days paid sick time
  • 12 paid holidays plus bonus days
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance to you, dependents or domestic partner
  • Life Insurance
  • Defined contribution retirement plan
  • and much more

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.
Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.
To help attract a talented team, Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time faculty and staff.
Benefits at Otterbein include:
  • Tuition benefit for employee and their dependents
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employee, dependents, or domestic partner
  • Disability
  • Defined contribution retirement plan
  • and much more

ABOUT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY:
ABOUT OTTERBEIN ATHLETICS:
ABOUT OTTERBEIN CAREERS and BENEFITS: