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Horseback Riding Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 Riding Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$13

$22

How much do horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding guide in Virginia is $13.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.82 and $15.43 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,647 per year, or $13.3 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Hospitality

Middleburg, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 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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