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Horseback Riding Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO ยท On-site

$2.1K/mo

Riding Horses in the Mountains * Tips WE ARE HIRING FOR OUR 2024 SEASON We are a family owned business operating on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies. We offer guided horseback riding tours ...

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park and our rides range from a one hour ride to an eight hour ride. We are open March through October. Job would entail care of ...

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park and our rides range from a one hour ride to an eight hour ride. We are open March through October. Job would entail care of ...

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park and our rides range from a one hour ride to an eight hour ride. We are open March through October. Job would entail care of ...

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO ยท On-site

$2.1K/mo

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

Wrangler/Trail Guide

Estes Park, CO ยท On-site

$2.1K/mo

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

Public Safety Agent

Edwards, CO ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

... a car wash, and horseback riding. What We're Looking For: The ideal candidate is dependable ... Check out the benefits offered to you in the 2026 Cordillera Metro District Benefits Guide. This ...

New

Public Safety Agent

Edwards, CO ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

... a car wash, and horseback riding. What We're Looking For: The ideal candidate is dependable ... Check out the benefits offered to you in the 2026 Cordillera Metro District Benefits Guide. This ...

New

Guest Services Agent

Winter Park, CO ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... biking, fishing, and horseback riding in warmer seasons, Devil's Thumb Ranch promises an ... Whether helping with check-in, guiding guests to activities, or solving a last-minute request, you ...

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Horseback Riding Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$6

$12

$21

How much do horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding guide in Colorado is $12.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.50 and $14.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horseback riding guide?

A Horseback Riding Guide leads trail rides, teaches basic riding skills, and ensures the safety of riders and horses. They provide instructions on proper riding techniques, horse care, and trail etiquette. Guides may also share information about the surrounding landscape, wildlife, and local history. Responsibilities include saddling horses, checking equipment, and responding to emergencies. This role requires strong riding skills, communication abilities, and a passion for working with people and animals.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily activities of a horseback riding guide?

A typical day for a Horseback Riding Guide involves preparing horses for rides, checking and fitting tack, conducting safety briefings, and leading groups on designated trails. Guides are responsible for monitoring both the riders and horses throughout the excursion, providing instructions to riders, and responding quickly to any issues or emergencies. Additional duties may include basic horse care, maintaining equipment, and assisting with stable management. Collaborating with other guides ensures consistent safety standards and a positive guest experience. This hands-on role combines customer service, animal care, and outdoor adventure in a dynamic work environment.

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

To thrive as a Horseback Riding Guide, you need strong riding and horsemanship skills, knowledge of trail safety, and often first aid certification. Guides commonly use saddles, tack, ride communication devices, GPS systems, and may be required to hold certifications such as CPR, wilderness first aid, or equine care. Outstanding customer service, clear communication, and patience help you instruct and reassure riders of varying skill levels. These abilities are critical for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests while maintaining the wellbeing of the horses.

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

The most popular types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Guide job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,761 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Recreation Assistant (Riding Instructor)

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

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


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.
Benefits
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