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Horse Riding Summer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

The community enjoys public art, many local street fairs, summer music festivals, and holiday ... biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, Morgan Hill is ...

Police Officer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

... summer music festivals, and holiday parades. Downtown Morgan Hill has become a destination for ... biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, Morgan Hill is ...

Horse Riding Summer information

See California salary details

$8

$17

$32

How much do horse riding summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse riding summer in California is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horse riding summer?

A Horse Riding Summer job typically involves working at a camp or equestrian facility during the summer months, helping with horse care, riding instruction, and camp activities. Employees may be responsible for tasks such as feeding and grooming horses, leading trail rides, assisting with riding lessons, and ensuring the safety of campers around horses. This role is ideal for individuals who have a passion for horses, enjoy working outdoors, and are comfortable supervising children or groups. Training is often provided, but previous experience with horses is usually preferred.

What are some unique challenges instructors face when teaching horse riding at summer camps, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Instructors at horse riding summer camps often work with children or beginners who may have little to no prior riding experience, which requires patience and strong communication skills. Managing group lessons in an outdoor environment also means adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring each camper gets personalized attention. Candidates can prepare by gaining experience with group instruction, familiarizing themselves with basic first aid and equine safety practices, and being ready to handle unexpected situations calmly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horse riding summer camp instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Riding Summer Camp Instructor, you need solid horseback riding skills, knowledge of equine care, and often a background in teaching or youth supervision. Familiarity with tack and stable management, basic first aid certification, and experience using safety equipment are typically required. Patience, strong communication, and leadership are essential soft skills for engaging and instructing children safely and effectively. These skills ensure campers have a safe, enjoyable experience while learning proper riding techniques and horse care.

What is the difference between Horse Riding Summer vs Horse Groom?

AspectHorse Riding SummerHorse Groom
Required CredentialsBasic riding skills, possibly certifications in riding or safetyKnowledge of horse care, grooming techniques, and basic equine health
Work EnvironmentOutdoor riding arenas, stables, summer campsStables, barns, outdoor and indoor horse care areas
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, riding schools, equestrian centersStables, equestrian farms, riding schools
Common Search & ComparisonHorse Riding SummerHorse Groom

Horse Riding Summer involves teaching or practicing riding skills during the summer season, often at camps or riding schools. In contrast, a Horse Groom focuses on caring for horses through grooming, feeding, and basic health checks. While both roles work in equestrian environments, Horse Riding Summer emphasizes riding activities, whereas Horse Grooms concentrate on horse maintenance and care.

What are popular job titles related to Horse Riding Summer jobs in California?

For Horse Riding Summer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Horse Riding Summer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Horse Riding Summer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Horse Riding Summer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Horse Riding Summer job openings:

Infographic showing various Horse Riding Summer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,957 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Head Horse Wrangler (Female) - Full Time

Palomar Mountain, CA • On-site

Palomar Christian Conference Center
Religious Organizations • 51 - 200 employees

$17 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

PCCC VISION

Palomar exists to reach the lost for Christ and pursue spiritual growth through the study of God's Word. As a staff team, we fulfill our mission by creating an uplifting, distraction-free, and Christ-centered camp experience for guests and staff.

We serve our guests through our Core Values: Ready to Serve, Ready to Host, Ready to Give. We build a healthy organizational culture by living according to our Organizational Behaviors: Operate with Kindness/Grace/Respect, Maintain Conversational Integrity, Take Personal Ownership, and Pursue Growth.


POSITION SUMMARY

The main responsibilities include assisting the Horsemanship Supervisor with (1) the care and readiness of the herd, (2) the development, implementation, and safety of PCCC's horse programs, including trail rides and Girls Summer Horse Camp, and (3) training, advising, and supporting PCCC staff who work with the horses.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee must accept the lodging from PCCC as a condition of employment in order to carry out responsibilities as outlined in the fire evacuation plan. The employee would not be able to perform this service without the lodging. (It is for the convenience of the employer.)

Must take part in the fire evacuation plan for the specific area assigned (including preparing horses for and assisting in evacuation if needed).


(1) Assists with the care and readiness of the herd

      a. Assists in keeping the herd healthy and well cared for.

            i. Follows assigned feeding schedule and nutritional needs of the herd and senior animals.

            ii. Grooms horses as needed to keep their coats and skin healthy, check for injuries, fungus, etc. and treat as needed.

            iii. Provides essential first aid care under the direction and supervision of the Horsemanship Coordinator.

            iv. Helps with the fly management system as directed by the Horsemanship Coordinator.

            v. Maintains written horse health records as directed by the Horsemanship Coordinator.

            vi. Reports supply needs to Horsemanship Coordinator (feed, medical, etc.).

      b. Assists in keeping horses fit, well trained, and ready for guest use

            i. Rides horses as needed to keep them in shape, continue their training, and ensure excellent behavior from them for all campers and retreatants.

            ii. Follows direction for the correction of bad behaviors.

            iii. Assists in the training of horses as directed by the Horsemanship Coordinator. 

      c. Maintains a clean and safe stable and facility 

            i. Clean stalls and small turnout areas daily to manage manure build up and present a clean barn area.

            ii. Assists in checking pastures for hazards and fencing fixes.

            iii. Assists in trail maintenance such as cutting back limbs, branches, and brush that start to grow over the trail.

            iv. Assists in maintaining tack by cleaning and oiling on a regular basis.

(2) Coordinating the development, implementation, and safety of PCCC's horse programs, including trail rides and Girls Summer Horse Camp

      a. Assists in providing a safe and enjoyable trail ride experience for guests. 

            i. Prepares horses for trail rides. 

            ii. Welcomes and orients guests. 

            iii. Evaluates riding skills of guests.

            iv. Safely matches suitable horse with rider's ability and mental state.

            v. Prepares them for their ride.

            vi. Conducts a safe, enjoyable and successful ride/lesson.

      b. Assists in providing a safe, fun, educational, and impactful experience for Horse Campers.

            i. Assists with the development and implementation of the horse curriculum and program curriculum as directed by the Horsemanship Coordinator.

            ii. Works in conjunction with the Horsemanship Coordinator to develop existing and new horse programs.

            iii. Assists in the direction of activities at the barn during Horse Camp.

            iv. Responsible for helping keep wranglers-in-training and campers on task.

            v. Assists with the Showdeo as directed by the Horsemanship Director.

            vi. Helps welcome and greet parents and ensures the safety of family members at the facility.

            vii. Participates in program camp activities as directed.

      c. Maintain a safe atmosphere and facility for staff, guest, and horses 

            i. Helps enforce all barn rules and safety procedures on a daily basis.

            ii. Notices and corrects safety hazards to campers, staff, and horses.

            iii. Recognizes when a horse is unsafe for a particular rider and takes action to provide safety for riders and horses.

            iv. Reports to the Horsemanship Coordinator campers having difficulties or are not feeling well.

(3) Helps train, advises, and supports PCCC staff who work with the horses.

      a. Assists with training and directing all Horse Camp staff (wranglers, counselors, WITs) to PCCC standard operating procedures.

      b. Assists with training and directing PCCC staff who help take care of horses throughout the year.

      c. Helps improve and implement the WIT program. 


Keep regular, timely attendance while maintaining a clean, safe and unobstructed workplace *

* These duties are not exhaustive; with consideration of the job requirements and employee's skills, this job description may be amended at the discretion of the employee's immediate supervisor.


Note: This position becomes a salaried position for the 10 weeks of Girls Summer Horse Camp and Summer Summer Staff Training.

Requirements

  • Demonstrates a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, exercising personal faith through consistent daily living in accordance to God's Word.
  • Understands the mission of Palomar Christian Conference Center and is in agreement with its Statement of Faith, and submits all other goals and desires to that main goal.
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Possesses interpersonal skills such as are required to maintain positive relations with both staff and guests.
  • Possesses excellent customer service skills and presents a professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Possesses strong attention to detail and organization while managing multiple priorities.
  • Is proficient in basic Microsoft applications (Windows, Office, etc.). 
  • Must have (2) two years prior work experience in related field.
  • Must be certified at or have equivalent training to a CHA level 2 (PCCC will provide certification class).
  • Must have extensive horse experience and understand horse behavior.
  • First Aid/ CPR/ CCAC certified (will train).
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and move a minimum of 100 lbs.