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Riding Instructor Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Ski & Snowboard School Supervisor

OR · On-site

$22.70 - $27.74/hr

You'll help coordinate lesson assignments, support instructors, communicate with parents and ... Familiarity and demonstration of contemporary teaching and skiing/riding * Familiarity with most ...

Ski & Snowboard School Supervisor

OR · On-site

$22.70 - $27.74/hr

You'll help coordinate lesson assignments, support instructors, communicate with parents and ... Familiarity and demonstration of contemporary teaching and skiing/riding * Familiarity with most ...

Youth Program Supervisor

OR · On-site

$22.70 - $25.38/hr

... instructors and program leads while ensuring students, parents, and staff have a safe, organized ... Familiarity and demonstration of contemporary teaching and skiing/riding * Familiarity with most ...

Youth Program Supervisor

OR · On-site

$22.70 - $25.38/hr

... instructors and program leads while ensuring students, parents, and staff have a safe, organized ... Familiarity and demonstration of contemporary teaching and skiing/riding * Familiarity with most ...

Riding Instructor information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$17

$29

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Oregon are:

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, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,660 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Instructor - Full-time - Non-certified - Snowboarding

meadows

OR • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

Love snowboarding and want to turn that passion into a job on the mountain? As a Non-Certified Snowboard Instructor at Mt. Hood Meadows, you’ll learn to teach snowsports while helping guests of all ages discover the confidence, skills, and enjoyment that come with being on the snow. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to creating safe, fun, and welcoming experiences for every guest.

You’ll teach group and private lessons after completing Meadows Learning Center training, working with students as young as three while developing your own teaching and riding skills along the way. You’ll also work alongside the broader mountain team to provide exceptional guest service and support a variety of resort operations when needed.

No prior certification is required — just a passion for snowsports, a desire to teach, and the drive to learn. If you’re ready to spend your winter on the mountain while helping others discover theirs, join the Meadows Learning Center team.

 

This is a full-time, seasonal position

 

 

Qualifications & Experience

 

  • 18 years of age or older 
  • Successful completion of prerequisite on-line PSIA-AASI E-Learning Courses 
  • Minimum ability to ski and/or snowboard safely, linking round turns on intermediate (blue) groomed terrain at Mt. Hood Meadows 
  • Passion for teaching and the mountain environment 
  • Strong communication and guest services skills 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Ability to work outdoors in all conditions while maintaining a positive attitude 
  • Must have sufficient sight, speech and hearing abilities to learn skills, follow and provide directions and instruction to guests 
  • Basic web-based Internet browser navigation skills 
  • Ability to read and reply to email communications in a professional and timely manner 
  • Must provide own equipment (e.g. skis, snowboard, ski/snowboard boots, ski poles, gloves, goggles, thermal layers, etc.) 
  • Able to meet minimum schedule commitment with availability including weekends and school holidays from approximately mid-December through mid-April 
  • Those 18 years of age or older must submit to a background check to work with minors 
  • Upon successful completion of Mt. Hood Meadows Learning Center training and observed demonstration of ability during a lesson, current Junior Instructors who are at least 16 years of age may be eligible for this position 

 

Preferred Qualifications & Experience 

  • Prior experience instructing skiing and/or snowboarding for an organized ski and snowboard school  
  • Prior experience in a fast paced, guest-facing position 
  • Prior experience working with children in an educational or athletic setting 

Compensation:

  • Starting Wage: $20.00 per hour

Perks:

  • Year-Round Housing Rentals Available. Subject to Availability
  • Ski/Snowboard Season Pass for employees and qualifying dependents
  • Don't Ski/Snowboard? Gift your lift access to a family member
  • Free Ski/Snowboard Group Lessons & Discounts on Rental Gear
  • Buddy Tickets (3 discounted tickets to share)
  • Resort Discounts (Food, Retail, Rentals, Lessons, & Daycare)
  • Mountain Exchange Program (Ability to request free lift access to regional resorts)
  • Industry Pro Deals (ExpertVoice, Outdoor Prolink, Helly Hansen, & More!)
  • Special invites to Columbia Employee Store, Adidas, and other industry retailers 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Transportation from Hood River & Sandy
  • Summer Seasonal Job Connections with Local Businesses
  • Access to Team Wellness Programs
  • Team Appreciation Events/Dinners 
  • Click here to learn more about our team member perks

Videos:

  • Watch our team in action on the MHM YouTube Channel