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Riding Instructor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Riding Instructor information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$9

$16

$27

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Philadelphia, PA is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 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.

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Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,753 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Recreational Gymnastics Instructor

Inclusion Sports Performance Training

Pennington, NJ • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Recreational Gymnastics Instructor
Do you love working with children and bringing energy, enthusiasm, and fun to every activity? Inclusion Sports Performance Training is looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join our team as Recreational Gymnastics Instructors!
As an instructor, you'll help create a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment where every gymnast can learn, grow, and build confidence. You'll lead engaging gymnastics activities while helping students develop their skills, coordination, strength, confidence, and love of movement.
Gymnastics experience is a plus, but not required! We are happy to train the right candidates who are dependable, energetic, patient, and eager to learn and grow with our program.
Position Details
  • Part-time position
  • Weekday afternoon/evening and weekend morning/afternoon shifts available
  • Programs range from Preschool through Advanced levels
  • Greatest need is for instructors in our Preschool and Beginner programs

We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about working with children and creating an environment where every athlete feels supported, successful, and included
If you're ready to inspire children through movement, play, skill development, and confidence-building, we'd love to have you join our team!
Come be part of a program where gymnastics is about more than just skills-it's about building confidence, independence, friendships, and a lifelong love of movement
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We make possibilities limitless for children and adults with special abilities. Our knowledgeable and caring team teach gymnastics, swimming, bike riding, soccer, social skills and more. We also offer kids night out, customized birthday parties and summer camp.
Member schools are independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the member school, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this school. All inquiries about employment at these schools should be made directly to the school location, and not to US Swim School Association.

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