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Riding Instructor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Loudoun County Government

Aquatics Instructor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $31/hr

... South 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 ...

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Riding Instructor information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Washington is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.62 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.

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Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $38,200 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Horseback riding instructor: Full time & Part Time

METROPOLITAN EQUESTRIAN

Washington, DC

$18 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Horseback Riding Instructor (Full-Time & Part-Time) – Metropolitan Equestrian
 
Locations: Washington, DC

About Us:
Metropolitan Equestrian is dedicated to providing top-tier equestrian education to students of all ages and skill levels. Our mission is to foster a love for riding, horsemanship, and competition while creating a supportive and inspiring environment for our riders. We are seeking passionate and experienced Full-Time and Part-Time Riding Instructors to join our team in Washington, DC.  

Job Responsibilities: 
- Teach private and group riding lessons for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced.  
- Provide instruction in both English and hunter/jumper disciplines  
- Ensure safety and proper horsemanship practices for all students.  
- Develop lesson plans tailored to riders’ skills and goals.  
- Supervise students during riding sessions and provide constructive feedback.   
- Maintain a positive and professional atmosphere for riders, families, and staff.  
Qualifications:
- Prior experience teaching riding lessons in a professional setting.  
- Strong knowledge of horse care, training, and stable management.  
- Ability to work with students of all ages and riding abilities.  
- Patient, enthusiastic, and safety-conscious teaching style.  
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  
- Must be able to pass a background check and complete the Safesport certification. 
- Must be available for evenings and weekends as needed.  
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  

What We Offer:
 - Competitive pay based on experience and availability.  
 - Opportunity to work with a dynamic and passionate equestrian team nationwide.    
 - Professional development opportunities, including clinics and certifications.  
 - A welcoming, inclusive community for both instructors and students.  
 
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to membership@meteq.org with the subject line “Riding Instructor Application – [Full-Time/Part-Time].  

Join us in shaping the next generation of equestrians at Metropolitan Equestrian!