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Horseback Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

"Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with ... Seabees, Red Horse, USACE, etc.), construction owner's representatives or Clerk of Works ...

Host

Meadows Of Dan, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... from horseback riding to fly-fishing and beyond. For more information, please visit auberge.com ... assign stations, and guide servers and support staff in optimal table set-up. * Maintain ...

Host

Meadows Of Dan, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... from horseback riding to fly-fishing and beyond. For more information, please visit auberge.com ... assign stations, and guide servers and support staff in optimal table set-up. * Maintain ...

Host

Meadows Of Dan, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... from horseback riding to fly-fishing and beyond. For more information, please visit auberge.com ... assign stations, and guide servers and support staff in optimal table set-up. * Maintain ...

... horseback riding What will you do? * Inspect, maintain, and repair commercial kitchen equipment ... Guide kitchen team members on correct equipment use and care to promote safe and efficient ...

... horseback riding What will you do? * Inspect, maintain, and repair commercial kitchen equipment ... Guide kitchen team members on correct equipment use and care to promote safe and efficient ...

... horseback riding What will you do? * Inspect, maintain, and repair commercial kitchen equipment ... Guide kitchen team members on correct equipment use and care to promote safe and efficient ...

Horseback Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do horseback guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback guide in Virginia is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a horseback guide?

A Horseback Guide typically starts the day by preparing horses—feeding, grooming, and checking their tack and health for readiness. Guides lead groups of riders along designated trails, offering instruction and ensuring everyone’s safety while sharing information about the local environment and points of interest. They are also responsible for addressing guest questions, monitoring group dynamics, and managing unexpected situations, such as changes in weather or a nervous rider. Post-ride, guides often care for the horses, maintain equipment, and update logs or records. This hands-on, people-oriented role is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and sharing their passion for horses with others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the horseback guide position, and why are they important?

A Horseback Guide is responsible for leading trail rides, ensuring the safety of both riders and horses, and providing an enjoyable experience for guests. They may work at ranches, resorts, or national parks, guiding groups through scenic trails while offering insights about the area. Duties often include saddling horses, giving riding instructions, and monitoring horse care. Strong communication skills and experience with horses are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia?

For Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Horseback Guide jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Horseback Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,635 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Hospitality

Middleburg, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


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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