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Horse Riding Summer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Gastroenterologist

Durango, CO ยท Hybrid

$597K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

J1 visa sponsorship available for Summer 2026 applicants Community Information -- A Playground for ... Plenty of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding ...

Gastroenterologist

Durango, CO ยท Hybrid

$597K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

J1 visa sponsorship available for Summer 2026 applicants Community Information -- A Playground for ... Plenty of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding ...

Gastroenterologist

Durango, CO ยท On-site

$597K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

J1 visa sponsorship available for Summer 2026 applicants Community Information -- A Playground for ... Plenty of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding ...

Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life camp each year. Ministry Support -- "Taking care of ... horseback riding, boating and more. Staff person must be able to handle these conditions.

Groundskeeper

Tabernash, CO ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... biking, fishing, and horseback riding during warmer seasons, Devil's Thumb Ranch offers ... Participate in full-time gardening efforts in summer, including planting, pruning, and greenhouse ...

Groundskeeper

Tabernash, CO ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... biking, fishing, and horseback riding during warmer seasons, Devil's Thumb Ranch offers ... Participate in full-time gardening efforts in summer, including planting, pruning, and greenhouse ...

Horse Riding Summer information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$18

$34

How much do horse riding summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse riding summer in Colorado is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Horse Riding Summer jobs in Colorado?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Horse Riding Summer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,311 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Recreation Assistant (Riding Instructor)

U.S. Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
About the position: This position is Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) and will be assigned to the Equestrian Center, Air Force Academy, Colorado.
  • This position does not include benefits.

Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Provides horseback riding lessons and instruction to groups of adults and/or children, or to individual adults or children.
  • Instruct summer camps, including developing camp programs, activities and scheduling.
  • Works independently contacting clients, scheduling riding lessons, and providing information to clients on the riding lesson program.
  • Instructs patrons on rules and procedures for safe riding, horse handling, and horsemanship.
  • Works as a team with fellow staff and management regarding horse schedules and arena usage for activities and events.
  • Use a computer-based program to schedule and ring up sales following proper cash handling procedures.
  • Utilizes computer and written logbooks for scheduling horses and lessons, as well as maintaining riding lesson package logs and customer wait-list.
  • Assists with working with potential and current USAFA horses, both on the ground and under saddle reports routine horse work status to management including completing horse evaluation forms.
  • Notifies management in a timely manner of any observed physical or behavioral changes in USAFA EQC horses and assists as needed with medical treatment of horses per veterinary and management guidance.
  • Assists with horse tack equipment, maintenance and care, including tack recommendations and proper fitting to horses.
  • May accompany or guide various recreation horse riding trips and events.
  • Assists with working special events and programs on and off base.
  • Provides input to management for horsemanship program growth and development. Assists with ideas and scheduling educational clinics for volunteers, staff, and patrons.
  • Provides input and assistance in developing and maintaining equine safety standards for the EQC horse program, including providing guidance on safe riding and horse handling to patrons, volunteers, and staff.
  • Drives vehicles and trailers as assigned.
  • May assist other staff members in caring for horses to include feeding, watering, and cleaning.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

If interested in applying for this position you may preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13034387
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • This position requires the incumbent to complete a background investigation with favorable results.
  • This position has physical lifting requirement up to 75 pounds which requires the incumbent to complete a favorable pre-employment physical.
  • This position requires the incumbent to have a valid driver's license and provide a copy of driving record.
  • This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position. The incumbent of this position will be subject to and must consent to a pre-employment and random drug testing.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 09/01/2026
Business Based Action, Military Spouse Preference, Outside Applicant Veteran, Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran, and Transition Hiring Preference
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if the position allows for qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.
Qualifying Experience:
  • Applicant must have experience providing horseback riding instruction and horse care.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing is required.
  • Must have good organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to follow written or oral instructions with limited supervision.
  • Basic knowledge of computer or cash register systems required.
  • Applicant must be physically capable of lifting supplies and materials up to 75 pounds and have physical strength and dexterity of both arms to handle horses and the ability to help patrons.
  • Subject to hazards of equipment, contagious diseases, and exposure to bites, scratches, and animal waste.
  • Must have the ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner and have a valid driver's license and provide a copy of driving record.
  • Experience in tractor operation and associated equipment preferred.
  • Equine related certifications and/or documented education preferred.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-employment physical and a Tier 1 investigation are required.
  • May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty, including evenings and weekends.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
Education
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. This position does not allow for education substitution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
  • Individual must fully meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
  • U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. Territory for three (3) or more consecutive years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation or a signed memorandum indicating the installation's decision on the 3-year residency requirement..
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct deposit is required.
  • Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
  • A probationary period may be required.
  • Pre-employment requirements must be satisfactorily met prior to Entrance on Duty (EOD).
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this job opportunity announcement. And additional selections may also be made from this job opportunity announcement.
  • Selection(s) are subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible.
  • This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
  • Applicants must be able to provide a REAL ID or present a combination of source identity documents authorized to facilitate access to the installation. Please contact the servicing HR Office with any questions.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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