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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Horseback Riding Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$14

$24

How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding instructor in Michigan is $14.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.10 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.

How do you become a horse 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 instructor certification and gaining teaching experience.

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 is the 20% rule with horses?

The 20% rule in horseback riding instructs riders to avoid increasing their horse's workload by more than 20% per week to prevent injury and ensure safe training. Horseback riding instructors often advise gradual training progress and proper conditioning to maintain the horse's health and performance.

What jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

A horseback riding instructor can earn $5,000 or more per week through private lessons, training, and hosting clinics, especially with a strong client base and experience. High-earning instructors often work in affluent areas, have specialized skills, and may own or operate their own stables. Achieving this income typically requires years of experience, reputation, and sometimes additional certifications in equine care or training.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Michigan? For Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in MI? For Horseback Riding Instructor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,397 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Lansing School District

Lansing, MI • On-site

$20/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District's team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
In Pursuit of This Mission, we are looking to hire a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. This individual will be responsible for planning and leading safe, effective therapeutic riding lessons in accordance with PATH Intl. standards. The role includes assessing participant needs, developing lesson plans, supervising volunteers, ensuring horse welfare, and maintaining a positive, supportive environment. The instructor will work collaboratively with staff and families to support participant goals while fostering horsemanship skills, confidence, and independence.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma required, college degree preferred;
  • PATH Intl. CTRI Certification required;
  • Certified in CPR and First Aid (or willing to obtain);
  • 3 to 5 years of previous horse experience required;
  • Previous experience with students with disabilities required;
  • Demonstrated ability to work in multiethnic and multicultural learning environment;
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks based on performance goals;
  • Excellent problem-solving and time management skills;
  • Reliable, dependable, and self-starter with a growth mindset;
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record required;
  • Reliable transportation; and
  • Willingness to perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Responsibilities
  • Facilitate therapeutic riding services for ECL clients following a pre-planned lesson plan to ensure timely, efficient, and impactful classes;
  • Oversee preparation and clean up of each lesson;
  • Review and maintain accurate rider records according to standards;
  • Utilize horses under the direction of the Program Manager and Arena Programming Coordinator;
  • Report any issues with horses to the Herd and Barn Coordinator as soon as possible;
  • Assist in maintaining orderly stalls, barns, equipment, and arena following proper cleaning protocols;
  • Maintain a supportive, friendly and encouraging environment to staff, students, volunteers, parents/guardians;
  • Direct lesson volunteers in a positive, respectful manner before, during, and after lessons. Empower volunteers to provide the best possible experience for the participant;
  • Maintain an environment conducive to volunteer, student, staff, and horse safety;
  • Be familiar with First Aid/emergency procedures for horses and guests;
  • Attend staff meetings, ECL functions, fundraisers, and trainings as appropriate;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear;
  • Standing and walking for long periods of time in uneven footing;
  • Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
  • Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds;
  • Regularly required to use close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Must also have the ability to adjust focus.

$20 - $20 an hour
1 fte
At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.
We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.
Complete the attached online application at your earliest convenience. If selected, we will contact you to set up an interview. While we strive to provide prompt feedback, the high volume of applicants may limit our ability to do so. All of our jobs will be posted for at least 10 days (unless otherwise noted), but we will review applications on a rolling basis.
External candidates interested in multiple positions within the same department need only apply to one posting and can indicate other roles of interest in the final question. We will consider your application for various roles based on your qualifications.
Internal candidates should apply using their SSO email address and submit separate applications for each role of interest.
Thank you for your interest in joining our mission-driven team. We look forward to meeting you!
This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).