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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Riding Instructor

Owings Mills, MD · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Riding Instructor/Team Coach/Local Show Coach Garrison Forest School is seeking an organized ... Prepare horses and facilities for lessons, competitions, and related activities on a timely basis.

Horseback Riding Instructor information

See Maryland salary details

$9

$15

$26

How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding instructor in Maryland is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horseback riding instructor?

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 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 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.

How can I become a horseback riding instructor?

To become a horseback riding instructor, you typically need to gain riding experience, obtain relevant certifications such as those from the Certified Horsemanship Association or equivalent, and develop teaching skills. Many instructors start as stable staff or riding students before pursuing formal training and certifications to teach riding safely and effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Maryland?

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What cities in Maryland are hiring for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Horseback Riding Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in MD?

For Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,734 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Riding Instructor

Garrison Forest School

Owings Mills, MD • On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Riding Instructor/Team Coach/Local Show Coach

Garrison Forest School is seeking an organized, energetic person with strong interpersonal skills for the position of Riding Instructor. The Riding Instructor will also serve as a Team and Local Show Coach for the Garrison Forest School.  This is an exciting position to support the GFS Riding Department equestrian program’s mission as a riding instructor/trainer for recreational and competitive riding and all related equestrian program activities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Teach riding to a wide skill and age range of students
  • Coach GFS clients at IEA and BCHSA competitions, team, and individual
  • Assist with daily horse care
  • Assist as needed with all tasks associated with the daily stable routine including feeding, watering, turn-out, blanketing, grooming, stable laundry, barn, and arena care and maintenance
  •  Prepare horses and facilities for lessons, competitions, and related activities on a timely basis.
  • Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, vendors, and the community
  • Work closely with Veterinarians, Farriers, and staff to keep horses in top form
  • Some riding may be available
  • Perform related duties as assigned.  The ideal candidate will have the ability to demonstrate proper instruction and horsemanship.

This is a twelve-month position that requires work on some evenings and weekends. The annual salary range for this position is $40,000-$50,000, based on years of experience and education level; the exact compensation will be discussed during the hiring process.

Qualifications:

  • Must have obtained a high school diploma
  • Competition experience required
  • Ability to work proactively and independently
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task
  • Must possess a positive and professional attitude and enjoy working with people
  • GFS seeks candidates who will contribute to and are committed to diversity and multicultural educational practices. Demonstrated ability working in a diverse community is essential.

*Please submit resume and cover letter*

School Overview:

Garrison Forest School is an independent, nonsectarian college-preparatory girls' day and boarding school in Baltimore County, Maryland with an elementary, middle and high school program, a coed preschool, and a national and international boarding program for girls in grades 8-12. Founded in 1910 and set on a stunning 110-acre campus in suburban Owings Mills, Garrison Forest offers a program with a wealth of opportunities in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics. Confident, creative and compassionate, GFS students are encouraged to be fully engaged as they develop their passions and their own authentic voices within a spirited and joyful environment.

Candidates should support the Mission, Core Values, and Statement of Respect of Garrison Forest School. Garrison Forest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or disability in its employment policies and other school-administered programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.