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Horse Trail Riding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$21 - $25.75/hr

During October, the Shawnee Trail Encampment features daily frontier living, exhibits by artisans ... Horseback riding is another popular pastime, with the park stables providing horses. Another ...

$50K/yr

During October, the Shawnee Trail Encampment features daily frontier living, exhibits by artisans ... Horseback riding is another popular pastime, with the park stables providing horses. Another ...

Horse Trail Riding information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$21

$26

How much do horse trail riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse trail riding in Virginia is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Horse Trail Riding jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Horse Trail Riding job openings:

Infographic showing various Horse Trail Riding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,947 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Hospitality

Middleburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.

  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property and provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.

  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities, ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for young riders and their families.


Job description

Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor

Salamander Middleburg | Middleburg, VA
Full-Time | $18.00 per hour | Up to 40 hours per week + Service Charges & Gratuities

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our Equestrian team at our luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who enjoys horse care, riding instruction, trail riding, stable operations, and guest service.

The Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor is responsible for the daily care and well-being of our resort horses while creating safe, memorable riding experiences for resort guests of varying ages and experience levels.

What You'll DoHorse Care & Stable Operations
  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.

  • Clean stalls and perform routine barn and stable duties.

  • Clean, maintain, and properly store tack and riding equipment.

  • Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behavior and provide basic first aid when appropriate.

  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized equestrian facilities.

  • Assist with general barn, stable, and facility upkeep.

Riding Instruction & Trail Rides
  • Provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.

  • Teach guests of varying ages and riding abilities using safe and appropriate riding techniques.

  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.

  • Evaluate riders and appropriately match guests with horses based on ability and experience.

  • Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining a strong focus on rider and horse safety.

Children's Equestrian Programs
  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.

  • Provide a welcoming, educational, and safe experience for young riders and their families.

Safety & Equipment
  • Follow established equestrian and horse-handling safety procedures.

  • Maintain safe practices around horses, guests, equipment, and stable facilities.

  • Safely operate a small Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as required.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.

  • Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.

  • Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.

  • Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.

  • Knowledge of classical riding and high-quality horsemanship standards preferred; willingness to learn required.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, children, and team members.

  • Dependable and comfortable working in an active, outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active position that requires the ability to:

  • Stand and walk for extended periods.

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands frequently.

  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

  • Safely lift and move up to 75 pounds.

  • Perform routine horse care and stable duties throughout the workday.

Pay & Compensation
  • $18.00 per hour

  • Full-time schedule of up to 40 hours per week

  • Service charges and gratuities earned when teaching or facilitating eligible guest appointments

  • Bi-weekly pay

Benefits & Perks

Salamander Middleburg offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package for eligible team members, including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Company-Paid Holidays

  • Complimentary Employee Meals

  • Complimentary Uniforms

  • Employee Access Privileges & Discount Programs

  • Friends & Family Discounts on room stays at Salamander properties

  • Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and resort amenities

Join the Salamander Middleburg Equestrian Team

If you are passionate about horses, horsemanship, riding instruction, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to apply to join the Equestrian team at Salamander Middleburg.

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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