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$27

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in the United States is $16.22, 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 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.

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Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,728 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) Needed in Austin, Tx Bilingual

CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) Needed in Austin, Tx Bilingual

Disability Services of the Southwest, Inc.

Austin, TX • On-site

$77.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Description
Now Hiring: Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) - Austin, TX Bilingual Therapists Encouraged to Apply!
Are you passionate about using equine-assisted therapy to empower individuals with disabilities? Disability Services of the Southwest (DSSW) is seeking Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) to join our growing team in Austin, TX on a contract basis.
As one of the largest and most respected non-profit providers of disability support services in Texas, DSSW proudly serves children and adults with severe disabilities through the CLASS program and beyond. Now, we're expanding our therapeutic riding services-and we need your expertise!
Why Join DSSW?
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization that's been empowering independence since 1993
  • Serve a diverse population, primarily children with severe disabilities
  • Work with a supportive, compassionate, and growing team
  • Enjoy the flexibility of contract work with competitive pay
  • Bilingual therapists are especially needed to better serve our community

Position Details:
  • Role: Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
  • Type: Contract
  • Location: Austin, TX
  • Compensation: $77.43/hour

Requirements:
  • Must be a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities
  • Ability to work independently and travel to therapy locations as needed
  • Passion for equine-assisted therapy and inclusive care

Apply Today:
Make a difference while doing what you love. Visit our website to learn more and apply now: https://dsswtx.org/contractor-forms.aspx

Apply