ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Riding Instructor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

All JobsRiding Instructor JobsRiding Instructor Jobs in Ohio

Riding Instructor information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$15

$26

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Ohio is $15.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.44 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 is the 20% rule in horseback riding?

The 20% rule in horseback riding, often used by riding instructors, suggests that riders should focus on improving no more than 20% of their skills or techniques at a time to ensure steady progress and avoid becoming overwhelmed. This approach helps riders develop consistent, safe riding habits and build confidence gradually while working on specific areas such as position, aids, or control.

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 is the highest paying equestrian job?

The highest paying equestrian jobs are often senior positions such as professional trainers, show jumpers, or eventing riders, especially those competing at the international level or working with elite clients. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and a strong reputation, with salaries varying based on experience, success, and location.

How much do path riding instructors make?

Path riding instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of students they teach. Many instructors supplement their income through private lessons, certifications, and working at riding schools or equestrian centers.

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.

How do I become a riding instructor?

To become a riding instructor, you typically need to gain riding experience, obtain relevant certifications such as those from equestrian organizations, and develop teaching skills. Many instructors start as stable staff or assistant trainers before pursuing formal instructor certification programs, which often require passing practical and written exams.

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
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in Ohio? For Riding Instructor jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Riding Instructor jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Riding Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in OH? For Riding Instructor jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,065 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Eventing Coach

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Location : 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH
Job Type: Administrative Staff
Job Number: 00496
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Equine Science
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
DESCRIPTION
Otterbein University is seeking a skilled and dedicated Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach to support its Equine Science program through instruction, coaching, and equine care. This position is responsible for teaching riding classes, coaching the eventing team, supporting recruitment and equine center operations, and contributing to the overall care of horses and facilities.
The Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide a high-quality educational and competitive experience while maintaining a safe and effective equine environment. This is a full-time, exempt position working 9 months per year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction & Student Support
  • Teach riding lessons to Otterbein University students and the public, delivering between 18 and 22 lessons per week during the academic year.
  • Assist with student scheduling and barn orientation.
  • Maintain accurate grade and attendance records.
Equine Care & Facility Support
  • Assist in the maintenance of the school horse herd, including grooming, exercising, daily chores, and participation in the health care program.
  • Support stable operations, including feeding, turnout, watering, and general care of horses.
  • Assist in the rehabilitation of injured horses.
  • Provide ongoing schooling of horses owned or leased by Otterbein University.
  • Provide input on the suitability of horses being considered for donation.
  • Ride Otterbein-owned horses under instruction in clinics and outside lessons when funding is available.
  • Help maintain riding and grooming equipment.
  • Support barn staff in the care of the facility and horses.
Coaching & Competition
  • Coach and oversee the Otterbein equestrian teams.
  • Maintain a competition program in alignment with department-stated competition guidelines.
  • Determine the eligibility and ability of students selected to represent the University in competition in accordance with association and departmental guidelines.
  • Organize travel for riders and horses.
  • Maintain a high visibility presence within local and national equestrian communities while competing at USEF competitions.
  • Maintain active involvement with intercollegiate organizations.
Recruitment, Outreach & Department Support
  • Assist with recruiting efforts.
  • Support promotional programs such as tours and trade fairs.
  • Assist with tours, academic interest days, and orientation events.
  • Support the Equine Department faculty, Business Manager, and Barn Manager with essential duties.
  • Assist the Business Manager and Barn Manager with on-call responsibilities, including horse care emergencies and staff shortages.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree preferred in a field related to animals.
  • Extensive competitive eventing experience at the preliminary level and above required.
  • Strong horsemanship skills with experience training both horses and riders in a variety of disciplines.
  • ICP certifications and recognized show experience in other disciplines preferred.
  • Knowledge of IHSA, IDA, and/or IEA beneficial.
  • Commitment to equine care and student safety is essential.
Certifications, Licenses & Additional Requirements
  • USEF membership required.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Ability to obtain Otterbein Decision Driving certification.
  • Experience hauling horses required.
Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, including grammar.
  • Competency in general math.
  • Knowledge of general office procedures and ability to use standard office equipment.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong customer service orientation and ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The role requires frequent talking, hearing, sitting, reaching, and repetitive hand and wrist motions. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, and bending are required. The individual must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repetitively and occasionally push or pull up to 100 pounds. The position requires the ability to handle and ride horses in teaching, training, and show environments and maintain close vision. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Duties are performed primarily in an outdoor setting with changing environmental conditions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents
  • Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
  • 10 days paid sick time
  • 12 paid holidays plus bonus days
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance to you, dependents or domestic partner
  • Life Insurance
  • Defined contribution retirement plan
  • and much more

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.
Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.
To help attract a talented team, Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time faculty and staff.
Benefits at Otterbein include:
  • Tuition benefit for employee and their dependents
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employee, dependents, or domestic partner
  • Disability
  • Defined contribution retirement plan
  • and much more

ABOUT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY:
ABOUT OTTERBEIN ATHLETICS:
ABOUT OTTERBEIN CAREERS and BENEFITS:

Apply