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Horse Trail Riding Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Horse Trail Riding information

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$4

$18

$23

How much do horse trail riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse trail riding in Michigan is $18.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horse trail riding guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Trail Riding Guide, you need strong horseback riding ability, knowledge of horse care, and often basic first aid or safety certifications. Familiarity with tack, navigation tools (like GPS or maps), and sometimes equine management software is commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides instruct riders and handle unexpected situations on the trail. These skills ensure both rider safety and an enjoyable experience, which are critical for success in the role.

What are some common challenges faced by horse trail riding guides, and how can they be prepared to handle them?

Horse trail riding guides often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, managing riders of varying skill levels, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both horses and participants. Being prepared involves strong communication skills, thorough knowledge of first aid for both humans and horses, and the ability to assess and adapt routes based on trail conditions. Guides also benefit from ongoing training and collaborating closely with their team to coordinate group logistics and respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is a horse trail riding guide?

Horse trail riding guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on horseback riding excursions along designated trails. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of riders and horses, providing instructions to beginners, and sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. Guides often assess riders' skill levels, match them with suitable horses, and manage the pace of the ride. Their goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Horse Trail Riding vs Horse Stable Worker?

AspectHorse Trail RidingHorse Stable Worker
Required CredentialsBasic riding skills, sometimes certifications in riding or safetyKnowledge of horse care, basic grooming, and stable maintenance
Work EnvironmentOutdoor trail areas, parks, or ranchesStables, barns, or indoor facilities
Employer & IndustryTourism, recreation, outdoor adventure companiesEquine facilities, farms, or stables
Common Search & ComparisonRecreational riding, outdoor activitiesHorse care, stable management

Horse Trail Riding involves guiding riders on outdoor trails, focusing on riding skills and outdoor safety. Horse Stable Workers handle daily horse care, grooming, and stable maintenance. While both roles require knowledge of horses, trail riding emphasizes riding proficiency and outdoor experience, whereas stable work centers on horse care and stable operations.

What are horse trail riding jobs?

Horse trail riding jobs include positions at a variety of horse ranch locations, especially those used for horse camps and similar activities. In this equestrian role, you may guide visitors through a horseback riding lesson, clean and maintain a horse trail, and groom horses to prepare them for daily rides. Depending on the employer, you may also help clean stalls, feed horses, provide basic medical treatment, or otherwise support all horse-related activities. Some horse trail riding jobs involve supervising children, providing transportation, and fulfilling miscellaneous tasks not directly related to working with or riding horses. Horse trail riding jobs may be seasonal positions and can have unusual hours.

More about Horse Trail Riding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan? For Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Trail Riding jobs in Michigan are:
Horse Trail Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Trail Riding job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,635 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Horse Camp Counselor

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Middleville, MI • On-site

$65 - $70/day

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job 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.
Salary Description
$65.00 - $70.00 / day

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