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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Horseback Riding Instructor information

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$27

How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding instructor in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 cities are hiring for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Horseback Riding Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Riding Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Horseback Riding Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Horseback Riding Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding Instructor jobs? For Horseback Riding Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, 89% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,728 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Riding Instructor

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Heritage Christian Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Working in conjunction with Director and other Riding Instructors to facilitate a high-quality lesson program.

Pay for this position: $18.50 / hour

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above range represents the organization's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting

Responsibilities

  • To teach assigned lessons and substitute when required while ensuring the safety of participants, volunteers and equines
  • To evaluate participants for appropriateness of unmounted/mounted lessons. Evaluations should take into consideration current standards.
  • To teach high-quality, goal-oriented, progressive, and safe ridden lessons
  • To provide high quality, safe and educational horsemanship experiences
  • Provide a creative learning environment for all
  • To work in collaboration with other instructors to provide a safe, creative and relevant program
  • To obtain PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification and continue to improve upon skills
  • To create and maintain treatment plans, progress notes and other necessary documentation for participants
  • Effectively communicate with riders/parents/caregivers/family members to promote holistic care
  • To participate with training programs for horses
  • Evaluate safety of tack and equipment on a routine basis
  • To participate in daily horse routines including care and treatment
  • Assist Stables Facility Coordinator with horse care including, though not limited to, farrier, veterinary and other appointments.
  • Participate in scheduled meeting and special events
  • Follow industry standards

Qualifications

  • Minimum of a high school diploma
  • PATH Intl CTRI certification or ability to complete certification within first year of hiring

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of horses, horsemanship and care of horses
  • 3+ years' experience teaching horseback riding lessons with the ability to teach group lessons
  • Ability to positively interact with participants, volunteers, staff, and community at large
  • Ability to lift over 50 pounds is required

Our Commitment to Equity and Justice

We believe that people are entitled to dignity, respect, equity and justice. We champion a society that removes barriers. We reject racism and discrimination of any kind. We protest systemic and political inequities that marginalize people, recognizing that there is a history of structural racism in the United States. We will continue to learn and change to achieve justice. We know that strength comes from unity.

#IND123

Job LocationsUS-NY-Webster

Job ID 2024-9218

Category Facilities/Maintenance


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