ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Horse Riding Summer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

All JobsHorse Riding Summer JobsHorse Riding Summer Jobs in Michigan

Horse Riding Summer information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$15

$28

How much do horse riding summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse riding summer in Michigan is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $18.22 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 Michigan? For Horse Riding Summer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Riding Summer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Riding Summer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Horse Riding Summer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Horse Riding Summer job openings:
Horse Riding Summer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Riding Summer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,756 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Horse Camp Counselor

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Middleville, MI • On-site

$65 - $70/day

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER 2026! Few environments are as special as camp! YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin has over 100 years of camping experience and is located on beautiful Barlow Lake in Middleville, Michigan. Our beautiful, natural setting provides an excellent opportunity for all who visit. We are committed to providing a camp experience rich in tradition centered on our core values, with a Christian emphasis, and allowing all who participate to gain 21st century skills, independence and life long memories.


POSITION SUMMARY

The Horse Camp Counselor provides direct supervision of a group of no more than 10 children, grades K-8th, in a summer camp outdoor setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: direct supervision of campers in either the Day Camp or Overnight Camp setting and leading activities focusing on values and 21st century life skills each day. This position instructs and or assists riding lessons in the arena, teach barn lessons, and lead trail rides. Must be at least 18 years of age.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Learn the likes/dislikes of each participant
  • Be a positive role model for all campers and fellow staff
  • Assist in getting horses ready in the morning and turning them out at night
  • Assist in general care of horses including but not limited to watering, feeding, medicating, etc.
  • Help maintain a safe riding program by monitoring trail rides, riding lessons and campers closely for dangerous situation
  • Instruct and or assist during riding lessons based on experience
  • Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp
  • Guide cabin or trail groups in participating successfully in all aspects of camp activities
  • Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers’ day, including morning reveille, cabin clean-up, activities, meal times, rest hour, evening activities, getting ready for bed, and after-hours duties as assigned
  • Help campers plan their participation in unit-wide or camp-wide programs, special events, and activities

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids


COMPENSATION

  • Overnight Horse Camp counselors are required to live on site, housing is provided. Meals are provided Sunday - Friday. Staff are allowed to remain on site during the weekends throughout their seasonal employment if they choose. Scheduled time off will be granted each day.
  • $65.00 - $70.00 per day; Seasonal; Non-Exempt

BENEFITS:

  • Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities.
  • Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
  • Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most.
  • Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.
Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Previous experiences in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field
  • Demonstrated horseback riding experience is required
  • Organizational skills to plan, schedule, and facilitate programs
  • Ability to give supervision and guidance to staff
  • Ability to plan, lead and/or assist in teaching an activity
  • Ability to teach leadership skills
  • Ability to teach and role model the Core Values of the YMCA and use of 21st century life skills

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Cardio Pulmonary Recitation (CPR) for rescue required
  • First Aid certification required
  • Blood borne pathogens training required upon hire
  • State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.