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Riding Instructor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

... riding on fire trucks at high speeds under adverse conditions. * Performs all other duties as ... ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Instructor I * ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Inspector I * ProBoard and/or ...

Riding Instructor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$9

$15

$26

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Atlanta, GA is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 20% rule for horses?

The 20% rule for horses is a guideline suggesting that a horse's weight should not exceed 20% of the rider's body weight to ensure safety and comfort. Riding instructors often advise this to prevent injury and maintain proper control during lessons or training. Proper fit and rider skill are also important factors in horse-rider compatibility.

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.

How much do you earn being a riding instructor?

Riding instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of riding instruction provided. Full-time instructors with certifications and a steady client base can earn a salary ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Income may also include tips and additional lessons.

What equine job makes the most money?

In the equine industry, top-paying roles include professional trainers, equine surgeons, and specialized veterinarians, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in private clinics or large facilities. Riding instructors generally earn less than these specialized professionals.

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.

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 and gaining teaching hours.

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 Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Lieutenant-Fire

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 103 rated security


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Supervise and oversee Firefighters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assigned to the Department's Operations Division; Crew Firefighters are assigned to an Engine Company, Rescue Squad and/or Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle
  • Responds to but not limited to the following: fire incidents, emergency medical incidents, fire alarms, hazardous materials, rescue operations including various types of rescue incidents such as high angle, confined space, trench, vehicle extrication, and building collapse
  • Follow Centerra Group and FEMS III SOPs/SOGs
  • Inspect vehicles, equipment, and consumables for which they are assigned each duty shift.
  • Meet all requirements for the position of Firefighter/ Lieutenant participate in all assigned training and associated duties as a member of the Department's Operations Division including any/all fire ground assignments
  • The duties of this position require to work under adverse environmental conditions.
  • Hazards encountered to include the potential for burns, dehydration and other effects of heat, smoke inhalation, heavy protective clothing, falling materials, or explosions; exposure to toxic materials; physical injury and sensory damage from firefighting activities and noise levels; dealing with victims of fire in varying states of fright, panic, and injury; and operating or riding on fire trucks at high speeds under adverse conditions.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Firefighter I & II
  • ARFF Firefighter
  • Hazmat Awareness and Operations
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Firefighter II
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Airport Firefighter
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Instructor I
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Inspector I
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Officer I
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Hazardous Materials Technician
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Confined Space Rescue
  • ProBoard and/or IFSAC Driver/Operator on all assigned apparatus
  • State of Georgia certified EMT or NREMT
  • Obtain and maintain DOD Secret security clearance
  • Possess a valid Georgia State driver's license
  • Possess good oral and written communication skills
  • Successfully complete annual medical physical
  • Pass initial and random drug testing
  • Annually pass Combat Task Test (CTT)
  • Rigorous, heavy physical effort is required in the frequent handling of objects such as cylinders and extinguishers weighing 45 lbs. or more; may be required to lift/carry personnel such as an adult male in emergency situations.
  • Duties require full use of both arms, both legs and fingers to bend, turn, pull, crawl, kneel, and climb for such tasks as use of aerial ladders, firefighting equipment controls, arranging/connecting hoses, rappelling, operation of fire truck and all types of rescue operations, etc.

BENEFITS

Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflect its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.


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