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Riding Instructor Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Riding Instructor information

See Kansas salary details

$8

$14

$24

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Kansas is $14.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $15.43 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.

What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in Kansas? For Riding Instructor jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in KS? For Riding Instructor jobs in KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Kansas 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 $30,080 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Range Aide - Motorcycle Safety Program, Part-Time (STF3113)

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, KS • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions -

  • Assist motorcycle rider coaches with non-instructional support.
  • Operate classroom and range equipment as assigned.
  • Assist rider coaches with range set up prior to riding/range sessions.
  • Timely setup of range cones for specific riding skill exercises.
  • Assist with the tear down of the range following riding skills practice and testing.
  • Assist with the maintenance of motorcycle training equipment and the motorcycle storage facility.
  • Participate in and successfully complete specific range aide training.
  • Demonstrate riding skills during range exercises as assigned and under the supervision of certified instructor(s).
  • Provide other logistical support for regular motorcycle safety classes (Assist with food service, errands, class supplies, equipment, etc.).
  • Arrive on time for work, attend work regularly, and successfully complete the responsibilities of the position.
  • Comply with HutchCC policies, procedures, and practices.

Secondary -

  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervising Rider Coach(es) and/or Vice President of Workforce Development and Outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Possess current Kansas Driver's license with motorcycle endorsement or able to attain endorsement within six (6) months of hire date.
  • Successful completion of Motorcycle Safety Foundation-Basic Rider Course
  • Experience riding motorcycle safely.
  • Take direction from supervising instructors (Riding Coaches) and program administration.
  • Attention to detail, make appropriate decisions with minimal supervision.
  • Physical requirements include excellent verbal, written, and listen communication skills; ability and willingness to collaborate; ability to work independently and as a member of a team; work outdoors in adverse conditions;use appropriate judgment and to apply tact and courtesy in difficult situations; ability to perform all physical aspects of this position, such as setting up cones, set up and tear down of riding range, etc; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may occur; medium level/outdoor work environment.
  • Mental requirements include the ability to learn and comprehend basic instructions about the position.
  • Physical and mental qualifications must be performed with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • The qualifications listed are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

HOURLY WAGE and STATUS:

The hourly rate of pay is commensurate with qualifications as determined by HutchCC administration. This part-time hourly support staff position is non-exempt, at-will, and is not benefit eligible.