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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFK Community Alliance

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA

$20/hr

Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the conditioning of horses. Key Qualifications and Skills * 5 years' experience working at a fully operational ...

RFK Community

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the conditioning of horses. Key Qualifications and Skills * 5 years' experience working at a fully operational ...

Miamioh

Assistant Director of Riding

Arena, WI

$45K/yr

Serve as additional instructor to youth teams, camps, and the horseback riding classes offered by the university. Assist in additional programming such as leases and horse showing outside of the ...

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How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for horseback riding instructors are rare, but some specialized roles such as equine therapy specialists, professional trainers, or those working with elite clients can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with significant experience, certifications, and a strong reputation. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-end or private settings. Most instructors earn less daily, but top-tier professionals in niche markets can reach this level of income.

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 can I 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 employers also require first aid certification and a good understanding of horse care and safety protocols.

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 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 much do you earn being a riding instructor?

The average salary for a horseback riding instructor ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of clients. Instructors often earn additional income through private lessons, group classes, and tips. Certification and teaching skills can also influence earning potential.
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Horseback Riding Instructor jobs near you
Registered Riding Instructor

Registered Riding Instructor

Hospital for Special Care

Middletown, CT

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner.

  • Develops rider goals and weekly objectives, documents weekly progress, and submits written evaluations on each participant at the end of each semester.

  • Communicates participant, horse, facility, volunteer, and equipment issues to the appropriate staff and provides ongoing education and safety awareness to volunteers.

Hospital for Special Care rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

393rd of 1,003 rated hospitals

Job description

Position Location:Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:0Work Shift:Second 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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