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Riding Instructor Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Skateboarding Coach

Sandy, OR · On-site

$16.03 - $19/hr

Review evaluation with each camper on an individual basis during the final riding day. * Stay at Disorientation until campers are released to go back to their cabins, participate and make it a great ...

Skateboarding Coach

Sandy, OR · On-site

$16.03 - $19/hr

Review evaluation with each camper on an individual basis during the final riding day. * Stay at Disorientation until campers are released to go back to their cabins, participate and make it a great ...

Riding Instructor information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$17

$29

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Oregon is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.32 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 OR?

For Riding Instructor jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,660 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

$16.03 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At least 18 years of age
  • CPR w/AED & First Aid Certified prior to start date
  • Valid US Drivers License
  • Must be available to start work in Oregon on July 5th
  • High level of coaching experience
  • Experience working with children as a leader
  • Knowledge of coaching progressions and effective communication skills

SUMMARY:
The purpose of a Coach is to effectively supervise campers while instructing and communicating skateboarding and other recreational skills to campers in accordance with the mission statements, goals and objectives of the company. This includes goal setting, lesson planning, skill progression and evaluation.
COMPENSATION:
$16.03/hr-$19.00/hr
SUPERVISORYRESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for up to 10 campers during each camp for both on-hill and off-hill activities. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
ESSENTIALDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Arrive on the scheduled pre-camp arrival day.
  • Assist with set up/tear down procedures at the beginning and end of the summer. This will include some hard labor, employee/management evaluations and job related clinics.
  • Attend pre-camp orientation, and meetings.
  • Attend pre-camp training clinics.
  • Hold an orientation with your assigned group on the first morning of each camp. Cover the following:
    • Know campers names, and make them feel welcome
    • Outline the daily program and schedule
    • Check that every camper has, sunscreen, water, lunch, extra clothes and a backpack to put it all in, remind them to bring it to coaching every day
    • Ensure that campers have a skate helmet and inspect it for cracks or damage. Inform Youth Campers that regardless of age they are required to wear a helmet any time they are on thair board.
    • Ensure that campers know where to meet you every morning
    • Explain goal setting to your campers and aid them in the completion of their goal sheets.
    • Build a Perfect Balance™ plan with your campers based on their individual goals and ability level
  • Intermingle with campers at meals, and talk to them or generally make them feel welcome and included.
  • Attend the morning coaches meeting every workday
  • Meet your group on time in the courtyard each morning, and complete a roll call, check in with counselors and medical department for any campers who are not present.
  • Organize and keep your group together. Give structured technical instruction. Familiarize campers with campus facilities, responsible skating, and what to do if they get separated from the group.
  • Coach, skate and have lunch with your assigned group all day on Monday and Friday, and then until 12pm for the rest of the week.
  • Coaches do not skate features while on the clock, however coaches may take ride breaks for a cumulative maximum of 15 minutes per coaching block of personal skate time during the coaching time outlined above. Before a coach can take their break they must make a plan with another coach to make sure their campers are supervised throughout the break.
  • Coordinate the video review of your campers. Follow the procedures outlined by the Head Coach. Each camper should receive video review from you at least twice a day.
  • Lead assigned specialized clinics at least every other day during the session. Clinics will be assigned for each session by the Head Coach. Campers will have the option to attend clinics based on what they want to learn or whom they want to learn from.
  • At 1pm make sure you know which clinic your campers are attending, and insure that they get to the clinic.
  • Lead and supervise afternoon activities daily. (Afternoon and evening activities are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) Off-hill activities include but are not limited to; mountain biking, arts and crafts, waterfall hikes, educational skate clinics, skate facility monitoring, curfew security patrol and more. The Activations Coordinator and Head Coach will lead you through this process.
  • On Activity Days and Weather Days you may be assigned to attend and/or drive to an off-hill activity. The Activations Coordinator will prepare schedule and the Head Coach will assign coaches as needed. You may be responsible for a group of campers who may be different or larger in size from your coaching group. While at these activities interact with the campers and participate as much as possible. Keep campers engaged and excited on these days no matter what the activity is. (Often the available choices for an activity for 100+ kids are not ideal for anyone involved, it is our job to keep it fun no matter what it is)
  • Write out comprehensive and informative mid and end of session camper evaluations. Personally give each camper the session evaluation at disorientation. Review evaluation with each camper on an individual basis during the final riding day.
  • Stay at Disorientation until campers are released to go back to their cabins, participate and make it a great send-off for campers. This is our moment to make a magical final impression.
  • Attend all meetings deemed necessary by the Head Coach or Camp Managers.
  • In the case of any accident immediately report incident to the Head Coach. Complete the digital incident report before you leave the hill that day. If you witness the accident, it is your responsibility to fill out the incident report (whether or not the injured camper is in your group or not).
  • Work airport days or drive airport shuttles as requested by management.
  • Have fun and create fun.
  • Be flexible! Due to the changing nature of our business (weather conditions, camper numbers) your schedule and responsibilities may constantly evolve.

CONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT:
Successful candidate must submit to post offer, pre-employment drug testing, and criminal background check.
REQUIREMENTS:
All staff must be able to;
  • Repeatedly lift 75 pounds, move heavy luggage, climb stairs, ladders, ride a bicycle and be physically able to participate in all activities that We Are Camp offers.
  • Verbally communicate with campers, staff and parents, and provide information in a coherent manner.
  • Follow all ACA requirements and standards.
  • Agree to random drug tests or drug tests required after any accident or Workers Compensation claim that holds drugs and/or alcohol under reasonable suspicion of cause.
  • Follow all We Are Camp employee personnel policies and regulations found in the Employee Handbook and Staff Training Manual.