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Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paradise Ranch

Bunkhouse Leader Male

Mears, MI · On-site

Implement wrangler/riding instructor duties * Other duties as assigned by your supervisor(s) POSITION TYPE: Seasonal HOUSING & MEALS: Provided throughout contract Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS: * Have ...

Grace Adventures

Bunkhouse Leader Male

Mears, MI

Implement wrangler/riding instructor duties * Other duties as assigned by your supervisor(s) POSITION TYPE: Seasonal HOUSING & MEALS: Provided throughout contract Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: * Have ...

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Riding Instructor information

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How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 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.

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Riding Instructor jobs near you
EQUINE SPECIALIST / HORSE RIDING INSTRUCTOR

EQUINE SPECIALIST / HORSE RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Rite of Passage

Virgin, UT

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Rite Of Passage rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 231 rated social care providers

Job description

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of youth!  Rite of Passage Team is hiring a Part-Time Equine Specialist at Falcon Ridge Ranch in Virgin, Utah
 
Falcon Ridge Ranchis a residential treatment program provides a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for vulnerable young women who are referred from juvenile courts and social service agencies both locally and across the country. The youth enter the program with a history of abuse, neglect, trauma, substance abuse, mental illness and violence. They graduate from Falcon Ridge Ranch as educated young women who have overcome challenges and have demonstrated making healthy choices for themselves and for their future.
 
Pay: $18.00 per hour.
 
Perks & Benefits: As a part time employee you are eligible for On-the-Spot Bonuses, Ram Bucks, Longevity Awards, Free Meals on Shift, Free Uniforms, Working Advantage Discount Program. 
 
What you will do: As a Riding Instructor you will be responsible for giving riding lessons to students through a variety of methods both in groups or one-on-one. You will teach proper care of horses, safe handling and safe riding practices. You will manage the care and maintenance of facilities and riding equipment. You will provide a physical environment that is safe, clean, and free of any hazards.
 
To be considered you should: ~ Be at least 21 years of age ~ High school diploma or equivalent required ~ Must meet the requirements to be an eligible ROP driver ~ Must possess a current State Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years ~ 3 to 5 years of experience working with horses ~  Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test ~ Be able to pass a search of the child abuse central registry.
 
Schedule: Part-Time, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. (24 hours). May fluctuate.  
 
Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth!
 
After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As a Equine Specialist, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.
 
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About Rite of Passage

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite of Passage is a Nevada‑based nonprofit youth services provider founded in 1984 and headquartered in Minden, NV. It operates a national continuum of evidence‑based, trauma‑responsive programs‑including residential treatment centers, day schools, therapeutic foster care, prevention and reunification services, charter/day school education, and mentoring‑based family preservation initiatives‑serving around 2,000 youth daily across 15 states. As of 2025, the organization is led by co‑founder and CEO Ski James Broman and holds CARF Three‑Year Accreditation, affirming its program quality and compliance with national standards.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minden, NV, US

Year founded

1984

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