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Horseback Riding Guide Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity ... Patrols County parks riding a horse and enforces State Law statutes and Local and Park ordinances ...

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity ... Patrols County parks riding a horse and enforces State Law statutes and Local and Park ordinances ...

Horseback Riding Guide information

See Michigan salary details

$6

$12

$20

How much do horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding guide in Michigan is $12.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.87 and $13.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a horse trail guide make?

A horseback riding guide typically earns between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Guides often need good communication skills, knowledge of horses, and sometimes certifications in first aid or equine care.

What is a Horseback Riding Guide job?

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as experienced horseback riding guides working in luxury or high-end equestrian facilities, professional consultants, surgeons, or corporate executives. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve irregular or demanding schedules.

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 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 is the 20% rule for horses?

The 20% rule for horses suggests that a horse should not be worked more than 20% of its body weight in a single session to prevent overexertion and injury. Horseback riding guides should monitor rider weight and horse condition to ensure safe and healthy riding experiences.

What is the 20% rule in horse riding?

The 20% rule in horseback riding suggests that riders should focus on improving their skills by dedicating about 20% of their time to practice and learning new techniques, which helps build confidence and competence. For horseback riding guides, understanding this principle can aid in training clients effectively and ensuring steady progress. It emphasizes consistent, focused effort over time to develop riding ability safely and efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan? For Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Horseback Riding Guide jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Guide job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $24,965 per year, or $12 per hour.
Equestrian Center Wrangler

Equestrian Center Wrangler

Boyne Resorts

Boyne Falls, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Boyne Resorts rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 105 rated hotels


Job description

Overview

Few roles at Boyne Mountain put you closer to the natural beauty of northern Michigan than this one. As an Equestrian Center Wrangler, you’ll lead guests on trail and pony rides while providing daily care for our herd — a variety of horses — in accordance with Boyne Equestrian Center standards. This is a position for someone who is genuinely at home in the saddle, knowledgeable about animal care, and passionate about creating safe, memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

Everything we do at Boyne Mountain is guided by our core values — L.E.A.D.S.: Long-Term Thinking, Excellence in Execution, Attitude is Everything, Develop Great People, and Serve First. In this role, you’ll live those values every time you care for an animal, lead a family down a trail, or make a first-time rider feel completely at ease. As a Boyne Mountain team member, you’ll also enjoy ski passes, golf passes, waterpark passes, and discounts on food, beverages, retail, daycare, and much more.


Responsibilities
  • Serve First — Provide guests with a warm welcome and a safe, memorable riding experience. Assist with waiver completion and helmet fitting, deliver clear pre-ride orientations, match riders with appropriate horses, and guide mounting, stirrup fitting, and dismounting. Act as lead or drag rider on trail rides and lead pony rides with confidence and care. Communicate precise, friendly instructions throughout each ride to ensure safety, answer guest questions knowledgeably, and actively encourage repeat patronage.
  • Excellence in Execution — Groom and tack up horses for trail and pony rides according to Boyne Equestrian Center standards. Conduct tack and helmet safety checks before every ride and maintain accurate records in the Equestrian Log. Disinfect helmets consistently and ensure every horse and piece of equipment is guest-ready. Facilitate non-riding activities, including presentations of various horse related topices to a wide variety of guests. Report and complete proper documentation for tack, equipment, safety, and incidents for guests and staff.  May help in other areas as needed.
  • Long-Term Thinking — Provide safe, attentive daily care for all livestock: stock round bales, administer pelleted feeds and supplements according to the feeding chart, and ensure a clean water supply at all times. Perform daily welfare checks monitoring temperament, body and hoof condition, and signs of injury or illness. Administer routine treatments and basic first aid. Maintain and repair tack.
  • Attitude is Everything — Maintain cleanliness of all Equestrian facilities and equipment with consistency and pride: hand-muck corrals daily, clean lean-tos and pastures by hand and by machinery, clean feed buckets and tack areas, weed whip using proper PPE, and perform manual snow removal and sanding of key areas as needed. Periodically replace wood chips and fill dirt in corrals, pastures, and lean-tos. Hand-pick, drag, rake, and brush-hog pastures and trails. Whatever the task or the weather, you bring the same steady, capable energy.
  • Develop Great People — Share your knowledge of horsemanship and animal care with fellow team members and guests alike. Model safe handling practices and help build a culture where everyone on the team understands and upholds Boyne Equestrian Centre standards.

Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Working knowledge of equine health, feeding, and behavioral principles
  • Comfortable working alone in a herd of horses
  • Comfortable leading guests solo on trail rides and pony rides, and confident in the saddle riding a variety of horses for up to 4 hours a day
  • Comfortable giving presentations on various horse-related topics
  • Able to work well independently as well as in a team setting
  • Possess good time management skills
  • Be responsible, have great communication skills, and have true passion for horses
  • Ability to follow specific feeding, handling, and grooming instructions for each individual animal
  • Ability to administer basic first aid to animals
  • Able to lift up to 65 pounds
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to work long days outdoors with exposure to hot and cold temperatures and other inclement weather

If you’re a skilled horseperson who loves working outdoors, takes genuine pride in animal care, and wants to share that passion with guests every day — we’d love to have you in the saddle with us.

Qualifications:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Working knowledge of equine health, feeding, and behavioral principles
  • Comfortable working alone in a herd of horses
  • Comfortable leading guests solo on trail rides and pony rides, and confident in the saddle riding a variety of horses for up to 4 hours a day
  • Comfortable giving presentations on various horse-related topics
  • Able to work well independently as well as in a team setting
  • Possess good time management skills
  • Be responsible, have great communication skills, and have true passion for horses
  • Ability to follow specific feeding, handling, and grooming instructions for each individual animal
  • Ability to administer basic first aid to animals
  • Able to lift up to 65 pounds
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to work long days outdoors with exposure to hot and cold temperatures and other inclement weather

If you’re a skilled horseperson who loves working outdoors, takes genuine pride in animal care, and wants to share that passion with guests every day — we’d love to have you in the saddle with us.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About Boyne Resorts

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boyne Resorts, headquartered in Boyne Falls, Michigan, US, is a renowned leader in the resort industry. Offering a wide array of recreational, real estate, and retail products, Boyne specialises in providing memorable vacation and lifestyle experiences. The company's expansive portfolio includes ski and golf resorts, real estate developments, and other leisure-based businesses across North America. Founded in 1947 by Everett Kircher, it represents one of the most successful, privately-owned, multi-resort companies in the history of the leisure industry. Boyne Resorts is deeply committed to providing exceptional guest experiences, underpinned by values including innovation, integrity, passion, perseverance, and stewardship.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boyne Falls, MI, US

Year founded

1947