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Riding Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MyTennisLessons

Tennis Instructor

Chantilly, VA

$30 - $55/hr

MyTennisLessons is currently looking for a motivated and independent-minded tennis instructor in South Riding, VA that will be responsible for conducting private lessons and small group classes for ...

Loudoun County Government

Aquatics Instructor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA * Round Hill Indoor Aquatics Center ... Franklin Park-Outdoor Pool, Purcellville, VA (Summer Only) As a Swim Instructor, you will provide ...

Loudoun County Government

Aquatics Instructor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $31/hr

... Riding, VA • Round Hill Indoor Aquatics Center, Round Hill, VA • Lovettsville Community Center ... As a Health and Safety Instructor, you will deliver various American Red Cross courses to staff and ...

i9 Sports

Youth Soccer Instructor/Official

Oakton, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

About the Job We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Youth Soccer Instructor & Official to ... Venues are located across Leesburg, Ashburn, South Riding, Purcellville * Upcoming Fall League:

Massanutten

Bike Park Instructor

VA · On-site

$13/hr

Experience instructing and guiding people in riding mountain bikes or other outdoor activities * Basic bike maintenance * Prior customer service experience Job-Type: Seasonal Typical Schedule Days:

Loudoun County Government

Head Lifeguard

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$19.86 - $32.75/hr

... Safety Instructor and Membership in Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the National ... Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, South Riding, VA Required Question

Loudoun County Government

Lifeguard II

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$18.53 - $30.58/hr

South Riding, VA Job Type: FT Salary W BN Job Number: 26-00551 Department: Parks Recreation ... Safety Instructor and Membership in the Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the National ...

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All JobsRiding Instructor JobsRiding Instructor Jobs in Virginia

Riding Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$27

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Virginia is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 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 Virginia? For Riding Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in VA? For Riding Instructor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,439 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Training Instructor (Equine)

U.S. Army Military District of Washington

Fort Myer, VA • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Summary
About the Position: Serves as a Training Instructor (Equine) at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH).
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Duties
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  • Serve as a horse trainer, riding instructor, and horse/harness driving specialist.
  • Apply training to riders and horses to include bridling and saddling, exercising/conditioning of horses; groundwork; desensitization; communication through the reins; leg aids; horse psychology; harness driving.
  • Be able to administer and instruct in the administration of first aid to horses, including the use of bandages and application of topical or intramuscular medicines.
  • Maintain training and maintenance records on horses and Soldiers.
  • Coordinate with veterinary personnel to ensure optimal animal health is maintained within training regimes.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position requires you obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance,
  • May be required to work other than normal duty hours which may include weekends, holidays, and/or on-call duty hours.
  • Position may require employee to work under adverse environmental conditions.
  • Temporary Duty (TDY) travel is required up to 20% of the time for travel to other locations for training, mission support, prepurchase exams, and other activities for readiness.
  • Use of protective clothing, safety devices and equipment required.
  • Pre-employment and annual physicals while in the position. (Must be able to mount horse independently, lift 50 lbs., walk long distances unassisted)

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) providing instruction on proper riding technique with multiple level riders such as novice, intermediate, and advanced; 2) training horses regarding riding, desensitization, harness training, and/or behavior to include both under saddle and on the ground; AND 3) providing hitch technique instruction such as harnessing horses, driving a wagon with up to six horses, and/or training and conditioning horses for hitch driving. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Education
Some Federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone - no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Training, Capabilities and Doctrine Warfighting Development Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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