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Horseback Riding Guide Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

FirstHealth of the Carolinas

PA - Neurosurgery

Pinehurst, NC · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Our organizational culture is guided by a commitment to patient safety, quality, and performance ... Neighboring Southern Pines - "Horse Country" - is home to first-rate equestrian facilities ...

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Horseback Riding Guide information

See North Carolina salary details

$5

$10

$17

How much do horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding guide in North Carolina is $10.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.81 and $12.27 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 North Carolina?

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

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

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

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

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

Horseback Riding Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Guide job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,982 per year, or $10.6 per hour.

Equestrian Trail Guide I - Flex

Biltmore Company

Asheville, NC • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Biltmore Estate rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Biltmore Estate

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5.6

Company rating compared to similar companies: 5.6 out of 10

Hospitality employers average

Based on 103,455 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Biltmore Estate

  • 90%

    90% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 80%

    80% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

  • 75%

    75% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Biltmore Estate, based on 13 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Job Description
Flex: A position working an average of 20-29 hours per week (between 1000 - 1559 hours/year).
Trail Guides work as a team in providing the highest possible levels of care for the horses and create world class equestrian experiences for guests. Duties include: general care, feeding and watering for the trail horses; daily cleaning and maintenance of the feedlot, catch corral and mounting corral; cleaning and maintenance for saddles and tack for the trail rides program; and assisting the farrier and vets in providing horse health care as needed. Additional duties may also include fence, pasture and trail maintenance as needed. The incumbent will also be expected to provide general assistance and support for the department, leadership, and company.
Schedule may vary, but hours are generally 7:45am - 6:15pm Friday - Monday. Weekend availability required.
Requirements:
1. High school diploma (or GED). Additional education, training, and/or certification(s) related to the equestrian field preferred.
2. At least one (1) years of related equestrian experience. The ideal candidate will have two (2) years of experience in leading trail rides and working with riders of all experience levels.
3. Should be knowledgeable in equestrian care and be able to anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot health issues.
4. Demonstrated commitment to the delivery of world class internal and external guest service.
5. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; must be comfortable in and effective at communicating clearly with guests, vendors, and other audiences.
6. Must be able to quickly acquire knowledge of the history of the estate and the Asheville area.
7. Ability to be proactive and take initiative; should be able exercise good judgment in anticipating and addressing issues.
8. Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills are a must. Should be able to prioritize work and adjust as necessary.
9. Applicants must have or be able to obtain First Aid, AED and CPR certification.
10. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and be at least 18 years of age.
Physical Requirements:
1. Must be able to lift 60 lbs. constantly and be able to endure long days of lifting, walking and physical exertion involved with riding for extended periods of time.
2. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead and below.
3. Must be able to have the range of motion necessary to safely saddle, mount, and ride horses.
4. Ability to work outside in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.
Essential Job Duties:
1. Select and catch appropriate horses to work each day.
2. Carefully inspect each and every horse daily looking for any signs of soreness, lameness or other health concern. Seek professional advice as required.
3. Prepare mounts and lead trail rides for guests according to daily schedule.
4. Inspect trail on a regular basis looking for any potential hazards, e.g. poor drainage causing wash outs or erosion holes, blow-down limbs, trash, etc. Correct immediately if possible or report situation to Director of Outdoor Programs.
5. Check in with the ticket host prior to each scheduled ride and warmly greet guests as they arrive.
6. Clean saddles and tack as needed.
7. Always maintain a level of preparedness in order to respond to any unforeseen emergency, either on the trail or at the barn.
8. Remove manure and debris from mounting corral, feedlot and around the barn as needed throughout the day.
9. Feed and water trail horses according to daily schedule.
10. Complete incident reports as needed, review with supervisor and send to Human Resources.
11. Support the Carriage Program staff to help in keeping all the guest areas as clean and inviting as possible.

Working at Biltmore Estate

Perks for frontline workers

From Biltmore Estate, via Breakroom

  • 40% discounts at estate food and beverage and retail locations

  • Year-round access to the estate gardens and grounds

  • Access to the Clinic on Biltmore Estate at no cost

  • Access to Employee Assistance Network, Biltmore Cares Chaplains program, and Eblen Charities

  • Company training and development programs

  • Paid sick/emergency leave (flexible & full-time employees)

  • Paid holidays (flexible & full-time employees)

  • Eligibility to participate in company profit-sharing program (based on seniority; for flexible and full-time employee)

  • Eligibility to contribute to 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match (flexible and full-time employee)

  • Paid vacation (full-time employees)

About Biltmore Estate, in their own words

From Biltmore Estate

Completed in 1895, Biltmore was created as a grand estate for George and Edith Vanderbilt, their family, and friends. America’s Largest Home® was intended to be an escape, offering the pleasures of country life where every wish was anticipated and fulfilled.

That is the legacy that inspires our 2,000 employees: providing world-class service and gracious hospitality to every guest while preserving and protecting a beloved American icon.

Company values

From Biltmore Estate

Biltmore welcomes, respects, supports, and values diverse guests and employees, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is essential for the preservation of this special place for generations to come. Through what we call a REACH mindset (Recognition, Empathy, Accountability, Curiosity, and Humility), we build relationships to create inclusive communities, develop and empower diverse leadership, and invest in team and community development.

Our company culture is guided by a legacy of serving our guests and each other with the gracious hospitality for which George Vanderbilt was known. Biltmore is still family-owned and remains passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive oasis from everyday life for our guests and each other.

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Biltmore Estate

By building equitable and inclusive practices, Biltmore attracts and empowers a workforce as diverse as the 1.7 million+ annual guests that we serve. Our efforts are aimed at empowering our current 2,000+ employees while concurrently creating the workforce of the future.

We’re fortifying these efforts through the establishment of clear and ambitious goals, along with developing strategies and pipelines to enhance diverse representation at Biltmore.

What Biltmore Estate employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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