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Mid Level Horse Trail Riding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth! Our dedicated team cares for the ... riding * Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds * Experience ...

Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth! Our dedicated team cares for the ... riding * Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds * Experience ...

Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. NASCAR fans love Bristol International Speedway (actually on the ... for horseback riding, hiking and wildlife watching. The Bristol and Appalachian Caverns are other ...

Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth! Our dedicated team cares for the ... riding * Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds * Experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Mid Level Horse Trail Riding information

What is a mid level horse trail riding guide?

Mid level horse trail riding jobs typically involve leading or assisting with guided trail rides, caring for horses, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of riders with some prior experience. Employees in these roles are expected to have solid horsemanship skills, knowledge of trail etiquette, and the ability to manage groups on varied terrain. They may also help with basic horse training, tack maintenance, and customer service duties. These positions are ideal for individuals who are comfortable handling horses in outdoor environments and want to share their passion for riding with others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mid level horse trail riding guide?

To excel as a Mid Level Horse Trail Riding Guide, you need solid horsemanship, trail navigation skills, and a good understanding of equine care, typically backed by riding experience and knowledge of safety protocols. Familiarity with tack and equipment, GPS or mapping tools, and sometimes first aid certification are commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and handle unexpected situations on the trail. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable rides for clients and the wellbeing of both riders and horses.

What are some common challenges faced by mid level horse trail riding guides, and how can they be managed on the job?

Mid-level horse trail riding guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse rider skill levels, ensuring horse and rider safety on varied terrain, and handling unexpected situations like sudden weather changes or nervous horses. Effective communication, strong leadership, and a thorough understanding of both horses and trail conditions are essential. Guides typically prepare by conducting pre-ride briefings, matching horses to riders appropriately, and staying alert to changing trail dynamics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Mid Level Horse Trail Riding vs Horse Trainer?

AspectMid Level Horse Trail RidingHorse Trainer
CertificationsBasic riding certifications, safety trainingEquine training certifications, riding instructor licenses
Work EnvironmentTrail parks, outdoor riding areasStables, training facilities, riding arenas
Employer & IndustryTourism, outdoor recreation companiesEquine training centers, riding schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Mid Level Horse Trail Riding primarily involves guiding riders on trails and ensuring safety during outdoor rides, often in tourism settings. Horse Trainers focus on training horses and riders, working in stables or training facilities. While both roles require riding skills and safety awareness, Horse Trainers typically need more specialized certifications and work in indoor or controlled environments. The two roles differ mainly in their focus: trail guiding versus horse training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Mid Level Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia?

For Mid Level Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mid Level Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mid Level Horse Trail Riding jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mid Level Horse Trail Riding jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mid Level Horse Trail Riding job openings:

Infographic showing various Mid Level Horse Trail Riding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Part Time Equine Assistant

Rite of Passage

Lignum, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning, feeding, grooming, and basic first-aid for horses.

  • Assist in the care of horses, including medication administration and supporting equine activities with at-risk children.

  • Support the equine assisted mental health program by helping to safely lead equine activities with children.


Rite Of Passage rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of at-risk youth!  Rite of Passage Team is hiring for an Equine Assistant at Childhelp, Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Virginia

 Childhelp is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of children aged 5-14 with mild to severe trauma or neglect, psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Our unique location on a 270-acre farm provides a nurturing treatment setting with a variety of therapy resources.  We bring the light of love and healing into the lives of countless abused and neglected children, and those suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders.  We take a holistic approach to serving our children along with meeting their physical, emotional and educational needs. Becoming a member of our Childhelp team is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a mission driven organization.

Pay: $18-$23 per hour, based on education and experience. 

Perks & Benefits: 401k match of up to 6% after 1 year of employment, free meals on shift, professional development assistance and more! ROP-benefits-and-perks-2

What you will do: Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed.  Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth!  Our dedicated team cares for the horses, facility and supports our therapist in an Equine assisted mental health program serving our resident children.

Responsible for performing routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning, providing assistance with care of the horses including feeding, turn arounds, grooming, basic first-aid, medication administration and more.

To be considered you should: Be at least 19 years of age ~ Possess a high school diploma or equivalent ~ Have a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record for the past 3 years~ Minimum of one (1) year of full-time experience working with horses ~ Must have previous equine experience and the ability to safely handle horses independently ~ Knowledge of basic equine first aid/wellness and care  ~  Expereince in EAP/Equine assisted mental health services, animal assisted mental health services, or adaptive/therapeutic riding ~Ability to assist in safely leading equine activities with at risk children  ~ Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test. This is a tobacco free facility.

Preferred qualifications for higher end of pay range: 

  • Knowledge of ranch equipment, machine operation and ability to drive manual tractor
  • Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university and one to two years related professional equine experience and/or training preferably in an equine therapeutic setting
  • Current CHA, PATH, or EAGALA certifications 
  • Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding 
  • Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds
  • Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a residential treatment facility for children ages 5 – 14 years

Schedule: This will be a scheduled part time role, working 28 hours per week. This position will work 8am-6pm Every Saturday or Sunday.  Need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, and rotating holidays. Other shifts will vary but hours will be between 1pm-7pm several days per week.  

Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth!

After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As an Equine Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.

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About Rite of Passage

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite of Passage is a Nevada‑based nonprofit youth services provider founded in 1984 and headquartered in Minden, NV. It operates a national continuum of evidence‑based, trauma‑responsive programs‑including residential treatment centers, day schools, therapeutic foster care, prevention and reunification services, charter/day school education, and mentoring‑based family preservation initiatives‑serving around 2,000 youth daily across 15 states. As of 2025, the organization is led by co‑founder and CEO Ski James Broman and holds CARF Three‑Year Accreditation, affirming its program quality and compliance with national standards.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minden, NV, US

Year founded

1984

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