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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Horseback Riding Instructor information

See Connecticut salary details

$8

$15

$26

How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding instructor in Connecticut is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Horseback Riding Instructor?

A typical day for a Horseback Riding Instructor includes planning and conducting riding lessons, assessing students’ progress, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both riders and horses. Instructors often manage horse care, prepare equipment (tack), and may assist with stable maintenance or administrative tasks related to lesson scheduling. Collaboration with other staff, trainers, and sometimes parents or guardians is common, especially in larger facilities or riding schools. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as lesson content and the workday may shift depending on weather, horse availability, or student needs.

What is a Horseback Riding Instructor job?

A Horseback Riding Instructor teaches individuals how to ride and properly care for horses. They provide guidance on riding techniques, safety procedures, and horse handling for beginners to advanced riders. Instructors may also train students for competitions, trail riding, or therapeutic riding programs. Their responsibilities include evaluating riders' skills, developing lesson plans, and ensuring horse and rider safety. Some instructors specialize in specific disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, or western riding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Horseback Riding Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horseback Riding Instructor, you need a solid understanding of horsemanship, riding techniques, safety protocols, and experience handling horses, often complemented by certifications such as PATH International or CHA instructor credentials. Familiarity with lesson planning, training aids, tack equipment, and barn management systems is also valuable. Strong communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach students of varying ages and skill levels. These competencies ensure a safe, engaging, and educational environment for both riders and horses, fostering skill development and client satisfaction.

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What job categories do people searching Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Connecticut are:
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in CT? For Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in Connecticut as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,085 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Reg. Riding Instructor

Reg. Riding Instructor

Hospital for Special Care

Middletown, CT • On-site

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Hospital for Special Care rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

466th of 1,051 rated hospitals


Job description

Position Location:Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:4Work Shift:First ShiftDepartment:Manes and Motions Riding Center

We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
  • Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
  • Required: First Aid Certification.
  • Required: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
  • Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY

Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
  • Sit 0-20% of each shift.
  • Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
  • Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
  • Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
  • Grasp with both hands-on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
  • Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

  • Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
  • Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required.
  • A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
  • Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
  • Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
  • Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS

  • Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs.
  • There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments.
  • There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III).
  • Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
  • Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
  • Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
  • Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
  • Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
  • Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
  • Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
  • Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.

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