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Horseback Riding Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Endless trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, trail running, and backpacking * Charming historic downtown Snohomish with the culture and amenities of Seattle a short drive away * 5 Minutes to ...

Spent the day on a private ranch in Jackson Hole horseback riding, axe throwing, eating outside a Michelin Star chef's table, roasting smores under the stars, and celebrating your latest hackathon ...

Spent the day on a private ranch in Jackson Hole horseback riding, axe throwing, eating outside a Michelin Star chef's table, roasting smores under the stars, and celebrating your latest hackathon ...

Horseback Riding information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do horseback riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding in Seattle, WA is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers can you do with horses?

Careers with horses include equine veterinarian, riding instructor, stable manager, horse trainer, and groom. These roles often require knowledge of horse care, riding skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses. Working with horses can involve training, healthcare, breeding, or riding instruction in various settings such as stables, farms, or equestrian centers.

What are some common challenges faced by professional horseback riding instructors, and how can they be managed?

Professional horseback riding instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse student skill levels, ensuring rider and horse safety, and maintaining effective communication with both students and horse owners. Balancing group and individual instruction while adapting lessons to different learning paces is essential. Instructors can address these challenges by pursuing ongoing education, establishing clear safety protocols, and fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages feedback and continuous improvement.

How much do you get paid to ride a horse?

Pay for horseback riding jobs varies widely depending on the role, location, and experience level. In general, riding instructors or trainers can earn from $15 to $50 per hour, while stable hands or grooms may earn minimum wage or slightly above. Compensation may also include tips, room and board, or other benefits depending on the employer.

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

To thrive as a Horseback Riding Instructor, you need comprehensive knowledge of equine care, riding techniques, and safety practices, often backed by certifications such as those from the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) or PATH Intl. Familiarity with tack and equipment, riding arena management, and first aid are essential technical competencies. Patience, clear communication, and the ability to motivate and reassure students are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, effective instruction and foster a positive learning environment for riders of all levels.

What is the difference between Horseback Riding vs Equestrian Trainer?

AspectHorseback RidingEquestrian Trainer
Required CredentialsNone or basic riding certificationsRiding certifications, coaching credentials
Work EnvironmentRiding arenas, trails, farmsTraining facilities, stables, competition venues
Industry UsageRecreational riding, leisureTeaching, coaching, competition preparation
Common Search IntentLearning to ride, hobbyTeaching others, professional coaching

Horseback riding is primarily a recreational activity focused on riding skills, while an equestrian trainer specializes in teaching and coaching riders, often requiring additional certifications. The two roles share environments like stables and riding arenas but differ in purpose and credentials.

What is horseback riding?

Horseback riding, also known as equestrianism, is the skill and activity of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses. It can be done for recreation, sport, exercise, or work, and includes various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, and trail riding. Riders learn how to communicate with and care for the horse, develop balance and coordination, and practice safety techniques. Horseback riding can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it offers both physical and mental health benefits.

Can you make a career out of horse riding?

Horseback riding can be a career as a professional equestrian, trainer, instructor, or stable manager. Success often requires certifications, experience, and strong riding skills, with many roles involving working long hours and physical labor. Opportunities exist in riding schools, competitions, and the equine industry, but income can vary widely based on experience and specialization.

What careers involve riding horses?

Careers that involve riding horses include equine trainer, riding instructor, stable manager, jockey, and therapeutic riding instructor. These roles typically require knowledge of horse care, riding skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, depending on the specific job and location.
What are popular job titles related to Horseback Riding jobs in Seattle, WA? For Horseback Riding jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horseback Riding jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Horseback Riding jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,383 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Wrangler/Horseback Riding Instructor

4000 Archdiocese of Seattle Payroll Svc

Seattle, WA • On-site

$6.3K - $6.3K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:
Each position employed with CYO Camps and Guest Services helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:
To lead and supervise activities at one or more of the following program areas: Horseback Riding.
ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES ALL SPECIALISTS:
  1. Provide quality programming at the program area that reinforces the mission of CYO.
  2. Maintain cleanliness at program area including equipment maintenance
  3. Enforce camp rules and emergency procedures as needed
  4. Prevent injuries and accidents by monitoring staff and camper behavior at your program area
  5. Report unusual camper behavior including homesickness, injuries/illness, inappropriate conversations and behavior issues to your director.
  6. Maintains first aid kit at program area and uses it as needed.
  7. When not directly responsible for programming at their assigned program area helps out with lodge duties as assigned.
  8. Receives on the job training and orientation in program area. Orients general camp staff during training to program area expectations.
  9. All CYO Camp Staff are required to follow all covid-19 protocols and assist with implementing cleaning procedures as directed by the State Health Department and the CYO Camp Covid-19 plan.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES HORSEBACK RIDING SPECIALIST (WRANGLER):
  1. Checks tack daily for fit and wear and tear before each ride.
  2. Monitors horses for changes in behavior and condition and notifies the instructors immediately.
  3. Helps feed the horses.
  4. Assists with arena and ground lessons following the camp curriculum.
  5. Constantly monitors camper interactions with horses to ensure safety.
  6. Maintains the cleanliness of the corral.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Primary:
  1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
  2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church.
  3. A good example for youth in appearance, attitudes, as well as in moral, ethical and spiritual behavior.

Education:
  1. HS Diploma or significant qualifying experience.

Experience:
  1. Previous experience working with children.
  2. Experience working and riding horses.
  3. Experience working or volunteering in specialty.

Other Elements:
  1. Commitment to the mission and values of CYO.
  2. Strong communication skills, verbal.
  3. Ability to pass provided CPR/First aid training course.
  4. Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and live on site in rustic facilities while programs are in session.
  5. Must be at least 16 years of age.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.
Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.