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Professional Equestrian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$12 - $14/hr

Professional development and training opportunities, including equestrian-specific skills. * Be part of a team that provides life-changing experiences for youth and families. Pay Rate : $12-14.00 ...

Minimum 3-5 years experience in a professional equestrian environment * Previous experience show grooming, preferably in the dressage industry or at a high end breeding facility strongly favored

Minimum 3-5 years experience in a professional equestrian environment * Previous experience show grooming, preferably in the dressage industry or at a high end breeding facility strongly favored

Showing results 21-40

Professional Equestrian information

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$12

$15

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How much do professional equestrian jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional equestrian in the United States is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional equestrian?

Professional equestrians are individuals who earn a living by riding, training, and competing with horses. They may participate in various equestrian sports such as show jumping, dressage, eventing, or horse racing. Besides competing, they often train horses, coach riders, and may manage stables or equestrian facilities. Their work requires extensive knowledge of horse care, riding techniques, and the ability to work long hours, often including weekends and travel to competitions. Professional equestrians typically have years of experience and may hold certifications or awards in their chosen discipline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional equestrian?

To thrive as a Professional Equestrian, you need advanced riding skills, in-depth knowledge of horse care, and often formal training or certification from recognized equestrian organizations. Familiarity with specialized tack, competition rules, and safety equipment is essential, along with experience using horse management software. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure both rider and horse perform safely and effectively, achieving success in training or competitive environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professional equestrians in maintaining peak performance for both horse and rider throughout the competition season?

Professional equestrians often face the challenge of balancing training intensity with the need for rest and recovery for both themselves and their horses. Managing travel, varying competition environments, and the physical and mental well-being of their horses requires careful planning and adaptability. Additionally, equestrians must continually update their knowledge of best practices in horse care, nutrition, and injury prevention to ensure consistent high-level performance. Strong teamwork with grooms, trainers, veterinarians, and other support staff is essential for overcoming these challenges and achieving success in the competitive arena.

What is the difference between Professional Equestrian vs Horse Trainer?

AspectProfessional EquestrianHorse Trainer
CredentialsEquestrian certifications, riding experienceTraining certifications, riding skills
Work EnvironmentRiding arenas, stables, competitionsStables, training facilities, farms
Industry UsageCompetitive riding, show circuits, sponsorshipsTraining horses, improving skills, preparing for shows

While both roles involve working with horses, a Professional Equestrian primarily competes and performs in riding events, often requiring advanced riding skills and certifications. A Horse Trainer focuses on training and conditioning horses, preparing them for various disciplines or competitions. The roles overlap in riding skills and industry environments but differ in primary responsibilities and career focus.

How much does a professional equestrian make?

A professional equestrian's earnings vary widely based on experience, reputation, and competition success, with many earning between $20,000 and $100,000 annually. Top riders and those with sponsorships or ownership of high-value horses can earn significantly more, especially through prize money, coaching, and endorsements.

What jobs can you get in the professional equestrian field?

In the professional equestrian field, common jobs include riding instructor, stable manager, groom, trainer, and competition rider. These roles often require knowledge of horse care, training skills, and certifications such as first aid or equine management. Opportunities exist in riding schools, show circuits, breeding farms, and equestrian centers.

What cities are hiring for Professional Equestrian jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Equestrian job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Equestrian jobs?

The most popular types of Equestrian jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Equestrian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Equestrian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Professional Equestrian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,209 per year, or $16 per hour.

Assistant Equestrian Manager

Paws Up Montana

Greenough, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Notice to Applicants:

Please note this posting is being used to create a Talent Pool for interested Candidates. Interviews for this position are not currently underway.


Join the Team at Montana's Premier Luxury Ranch Resort!  

About Paws Up Montana: 

Nestled on a breathtaking 37,000-acre ranch, Paws Up Montana embodies the spirit of the American West. As a family-owned, award-winning destination, we inspire both guests and team members alike. 


Assistant Equestrian Manager 

Position:   

The Equestrian Department creates a once in a lifetime horse experience for our guests. The purpose of the Assistant Equestrian Manager is primarily to ensure that daily scheduled guest rides are executed in a timely and orderly fashion, that guest requests and Wrangler work schedules are kept in order, and that horse health is monitored daily. The Assistant Equestrian Manager will also assist in the upkeep of the different ranch facilities, pastures and tack, as well as assist wranglers with day-to-day duties such as grooming and saddling horses, assigning guests to horses, mounting and dismounting guests from horses and will also fill in as an additional Wrangler to lead guest activities when needed. The ideal candidate for this position understands that ranching is a labor of love, and is ready to put their whole heart into caring for our herd, staff, land and guests, and in whom, a passion for the western and ranching way of life, runs deep.

What We Offer: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401K with Employer Match
  • Paid Time Off – 9 Floating Holidays and 15 Personal Days
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Life Insurance, Long Term, and Short-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (5 free counseling sessions)
  • Referral Bonus Program (Get paid $250 to recruit)
  • Carpool Reimbursement ($5-$20/Day)
  • Employee Discounts on Merchandise (30% on select items in our retail store)
  • Employee Lunch Provided
See for Yourself! https://youtu.be/OMstfigzWXk?si=VLVEQDaAGChmD9it

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Coordination, scheduling and execution of trail rides and ranch activities.
  • Prepare horses for trail rides and horse related activities, such as grooming, bridling, saddling, feeding, doctoring, trailering and tack repair
  • Ability to match saddles/tack to horses to avoid saddle sores
  • Monitor the trail riding horse herd, daily, for soundness and weight. Assist in daily herd health management and identify injuries or soundness issues prior to selecting horses for activities; assist in basic veterinary care as needed and designing feed programs based on body condition.
  • Assist with dispatching rides and assigning horses 
  • General ranch chores, including operation of equipment such as a tractor and driving stock trailers
  • Knowledgeable of basic horsemanship, assisting guests onto horses, guiding them on rides when necessary, and conversing about the horses, the Resort and the history of the area to provide an exemplary guest experience
  • Interact with team members, guests, management, and ownership in a professional and caring manner.
  • Assist in overseeing team members to ensure department practices are consistent
  • Ensure equestrian team members are in keeping with the performance factors as established in respective job descriptions, including attendance, teamwork, initiative, productivity, horsemanship, dress code, etc.
  • Assign Wranglers to daily rides. 
  • Aid in motivating Wranglers
  • Assist with vet visits
  • Converse with the guests at a high level, being aware of their needs and fulfill special guest requests as instructed by management or the guest directly
  • Uphold the Standards and Values of the company and ensure that the Wrangler team is as well
  • Ensure confidentiality of guests throughout their stay
  • Monitor personal and team hours to responsibly control and fairly distribute approved overtime when necessary.
  • Assist in the tack maintenance and care. 
  • Assume responsibilities and tasks when Equestrian Manager is off property.
  • Other duties as assigned

We hire first for character: Applicants for this position must have/be:  

· Integrity  

·Honest and open 

· Grit and determination 

· Mental fortitude and courage 

· Hard working with great attention to detail

· Problem solving abilities 

· Accountability and self-reflection 

· Punctual and consistent 

· A team player with a positive, “can do” attitude and a willing, outgoing personality

· An interest in learning and understanding new things and growing oneself 

· The ability to see things from multiple perspectives  

· Forgiving 

· And a deep understanding of and ability to RIDE FOR THE BRAND.