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Riding Instructor Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Purpose The Equine Instructor provides therapeutic riding instruction and horsemanship education for youth in a residential treatment setting. This role combines equestrian instruction, horse care ...

Purpose The Equine Instructor provides therapeutic riding instruction and horsemanship education for youth in a residential treatment setting. This role combines equestrian instruction, horse care ...

PurposeThe Equine Instructor provides therapeutic riding instruction and horsemanship education for youth in a residential treatment setting. This role combines equestrian instruction, horse care ...

Capable of confident, controlled skiing or riding on green and blue terrain ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL II INSTRUCTOR: Starting at $26.78 per hour * Strong understanding of the educational ...

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Riding Instructor information

See Utah salary details

$8

$14

$25

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Utah is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.77 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 Utah? For Riding Instructor jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in UT? For Riding Instructor jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,705 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

EQUINE SPECIALIST / HORSE RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Rite of Passage

Virgin, UT • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Rite Of Passage rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of youth! Rite of Passage Team is hiring a Part-Time Equine Specialist at Falcon Ridge Ranch in Virgin, Utah
Falcon Ridge Ranch is a residential treatment program provides a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for vulnerable young women who are referred from juvenile courts and social service agencies both locally and across the country. The youth enter the program with a history of abuse, neglect, trauma, substance abuse, mental illness and violence. They graduate from Falcon Ridge Ranch as educated young women who have overcome challenges and have demonstrated making healthy choices for themselves and for their future
Pay: $18.00 per hour.
Perks & Benefits: As a part time employee you are eligible for On-the-Spot Bonuses, Ram Bucks, Longevity Awards, Free Meals on Shift, Free Uniforms, Working Advantage Discount Program.
What you will do: As a Riding Instructor you will be responsible for giving riding lessons to students through a variety of methods both in groups or one-on-one. You will teach proper care of horses, safe handling and safe riding practices. You will manage the care and maintenance of facilities and riding equipment. You will provide a physical environment that is safe, clean, and free of any hazards.
To be considered you should: ~ Be at least 21 years of age ~ High school diploma or equivalent required ~ Must meet the requirements to be an eligible ROP driver ~ Must possess a current State Driver's License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years ~ 3 to 5 years of experience working with horses ~ Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test ~ Be able to pass a search of the child abuse central registry.
Schedule: Part-Time, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. (24 hours). May fluctuate.
Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth!
After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As a Equine Specialist, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Rite of Passage

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite of Passage is a Nevada‑based nonprofit youth services provider founded in 1984 and headquartered in Minden, NV. It operates a national continuum of evidence‑based, trauma‑responsive programs‑including residential treatment centers, day schools, therapeutic foster care, prevention and reunification services, charter/day school education, and mentoring‑based family preservation initiatives‑serving around 2,000 youth daily across 15 states. As of 2025, the organization is led by co‑founder and CEO Ski James Broman and holds CARF Three‑Year Accreditation, affirming its program quality and compliance with national standards.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minden, NV, US

Year founded

1984

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