ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Riding Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsRiding Instructor JobsRiding Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA

Riding Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Seattle, WA is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $19.71 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.

More about Riding Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA? For Riding Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,405 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Wrangler/Horseback Riding Instructor

4000 Archdiocese of Seattle Payroll Svc

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:
Each position employed with CYO Camps and Guest Services helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:
To lead and supervise activities at one or more of the following program areas: Horseback Riding.
ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES ALL SPECIALISTS:
  1. Provide quality programming at the program area that reinforces the mission of CYO.
  2. Maintain cleanliness at program area including equipment maintenance
  3. Enforce camp rules and emergency procedures as needed
  4. Prevent injuries and accidents by monitoring staff and camper behavior at your program area
  5. Report unusual camper behavior including homesickness, injuries/illness, inappropriate conversations and behavior issues to your director.
  6. Maintains first aid kit at program area and uses it as needed.
  7. When not directly responsible for programming at their assigned program area helps out with lodge duties as assigned.
  8. Receives on the job training and orientation in program area. Orients general camp staff during training to program area expectations.
  9. All CYO Camp Staff are required to follow all covid-19 protocols and assist with implementing cleaning procedures as directed by the State Health Department and the CYO Camp Covid-19 plan.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES HORSEBACK RIDING SPECIALIST (WRANGLER):
  1. Checks tack daily for fit and wear and tear before each ride.
  2. Monitors horses for changes in behavior and condition and notifies the instructors immediately.
  3. Helps feed the horses.
  4. Assists with arena and ground lessons following the camp curriculum.
  5. Constantly monitors camper interactions with horses to ensure safety.
  6. Maintains the cleanliness of the corral.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Primary:
  1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
  2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church.
  3. A good example for youth in appearance, attitudes, as well as in moral, ethical and spiritual behavior.

Education:
  1. HS Diploma or significant qualifying experience.

Experience:
  1. Previous experience working with children.
  2. Experience working and riding horses.
  3. Experience working or volunteering in specialty.

Other Elements:
  1. Commitment to the mission and values of CYO.
  2. Strong communication skills, verbal.
  3. Ability to pass provided CPR/First aid training course.
  4. Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and live on site in rustic facilities while programs are in session.
  5. Must be at least 16 years of age.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.
Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.

Apply