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Riding Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Riding Instructor information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$15

$25

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Arizona is $15.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a riding instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Riding Instructor, you need strong equestrian skills, knowledge of horse care, and relevant certifications such as BHS or CHA accreditation. Familiarity with safety protocols, tack and equipment, and lesson planning tools is essential. Patience, clear communication, and the ability to motivate and build trust with students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective, safe instruction and foster positive learning experiences for riders of all levels.

What does a riding instructor do?

As a riding instructor, your primary responsibilities are to provide lessons to students. You often work with both the horse and the rider to teach them skills and help them bond as a pair. Your duties include sharing technique and teaching riders how to communicate with their horses. You also teach horse ownership skills, like saddling, grooming, and cleaning stables. Although no formal qualifications are required, you may need certification through an entity such as the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) or the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) to find employment. Other than horsemanship skills, you also need excellent communication and organizational skills.

What are some common challenges riding instructors face when working with students of varying skill levels?

Riding Instructors often work with students who have a wide range of abilities, from beginners to advanced riders. A common challenge is tailoring lessons to meet each student's individual needs while ensuring safety and engagement for everyone. Instructors must be patient, adaptable, and skilled at clear communication, as well as adept at managing group dynamics and addressing nervousness or fear in new riders. Building trust with both students and horses is essential, and progress may require creative problem-solving and ongoing assessment of each rider’s development.

What does a riding instructor do?

A riding instructor teaches individuals or groups how to ride horses safely and effectively. Their responsibilities include instructing students on proper riding techniques, horse care, and safety procedures. They may work with riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and can specialize in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or western riding. Riding instructors also ensure the well-being of both the students and horses during lessons. They often work at riding schools, stables, or private facilities.

What is the difference between Riding Instructor vs Horse Trainer?

AspectRiding InstructorHorse Trainer
CertificationsRiding certifications, teaching credentialsHorse training certifications, equine behavior knowledge
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, riding schools, stablesTraining facilities, farms, stables
Employer & Industry UsageEquestrian schools, riding academies, private lessonsBreeding farms, training yards, professional trainers

While both Riding Instructors and Horse Trainers work with horses, Riding Instructors focus on teaching riders of all skill levels how to ride safely and effectively. Horse Trainers primarily work on training horses to improve their behavior, performance, or suitability for specific disciplines. The roles often overlap, but the main difference lies in their focus: rider education versus horse development.

More about Riding Instructor jobs
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Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,431 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Fitness Instructor, hiring for Aquatic Center and Community Center - part-time, 19 hours/week

Oro Valley, AZ

Oro Valley, AZ • On-site

$22.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: $22.50 Hourly
Location : 11000 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley, AZ
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 26/27 - 00001
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
This is an up to 19 hour/week position.
Under direct supervision of the Center Director provides group fitness instruction, monitors, educates patrons on fitness and safety, and maintains a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for class participants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Teaches scheduled classes, beginning and ending on time; provides adequate warm-up, exercises, stretching, and cool down.
  • Instructs patrons on effective workout methods; explains proper techniques, demonstrates exercises; identifies different muscle groups, and teaches appropriate methods to strengthen specific muscles.
  • Prepares appropriate equipment, music, and handouts for each class.
  • Assists patrons, answers questions, and maintains a positive exercise experience for members and class participants.
  • Keeps management informed of customer and facility needs.
  • Ensures that safety standards are met, and that department and facility policies are adhered to.
  • Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of group fitness teaching strategies and the incorporation of music, tempo, cueing technique, and rhythm.
  • Knowledge of human anatomy, kinesiology and training principles.
  • Knowledge of Town and Department policies and procedures.
  • Skill in choreography and music.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
  • Must possess a Certified Instructor (ACE, AFAA) or equivalent.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Additional specialty/certifications is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally must aide or assist participants off the floor, onto a chair, picking up dumb-bells, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee must have a high degree of energy and have the endurance to complete the workout.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment.
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works with various types of fitness equipment.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and loud when in the facility and while performing duties.
  • Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position.

The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person's race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information or marital status.
Why Apply
Oro Valley is a planned community cradled in the shadows of the magnificent Santa Catalina Mountains, with hiking trails through Catalina State Park, hiking and bicycle trails throughout the Town, world-class golf courses, horseback riding and a long-valued cultural tradition, vibrant for over a thousand years. Oro Valley has received many accolades through the years and is proud to have been named: Best Places to Live in Arizona, Best Towns for Families and Best Places in America to Live and Launch a Small Business.
Oro Valley is located in northern Pima County, just three miles north of Tucson, and a quick drive to the University of Arizona and Tucson International Airport. With average high temperatures of 83.4 degrees, average lows of 53.8 degrees, the town sits at an elevation of 2,640 feet, covers more than 34 square miles and has a current population of 41,011. Oro Valley was incorporated in April, 1974. Oro Valley is also quickly developing a strong reputation as home to the emerging bioscience and biotech industries. We are a young, diverse, dynamic community with a responsive government and our schools are among the finest in Arizona.
The Town of Oro Valley has a council/manager form of government. Six council members and the mayor are elected for four-year terms. The town manager is appointed by town council. The Town of Oro Valley provides high-quality services including: police, planning, zoning, construction, inspection, transit services, traffic engineering, street maintenance, storm water management, flood control, water utility, parks, recreation, aquatics, library, cultural resources, economic development, constituent services, community and media relations, budget development, debt and investment management, attorney services, magistrate court and more.
01
Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess a current Red Cross CPR certification?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you a Certified Instructor (ACE, AFAA) or equivalent? Please explain.
04
Do you have any additional specialty/certifications? Please explain.
05
Please choose the facility that you prefer. Depending on staffing levels there is no guarantee that you will get this location.
  • Aquatic Center
  • Community Center
  • Either location is fine

Required Question

Apply