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Trail Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BREC, LA

Riding Instructor Full-time

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$38K/yr

Support and participate in the Hearts and Hooves adaptive riding program by providing instruction tailored to participant needs. * Assist with weekend programming, including trail rides and birthday ...

CompHealth

Pulmonology job in La Grande OR

La Grande, OR · On-site

$284K - $379K/yr

... and trail-riding on mountain bike or horseback. Nearby Anthony Lakes Ski Resort boasts some of the best powder snow in the Intermountain West. Your CompHealth recruiter will be your advocate ...

Spirit Mountain

Mountain Bike Coach

Duluth, MN · On-site

$13.85 - $18/hr

Solid mountain biking skills (especially trail riding and safety) * Good with a diverse group of people - clear communication, patience, and leadership * Able to adapt teaching to a variety of skill ...

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

Mountain Bike Coach

Duluth, MN · On-site

$13.44 - $18/hr

Solid mountain biking skills (especially trail riding and safety) * Good with a diverse group of people - clear communication, patience, and leadership * Able to adapt teaching to a variety of skill ...

Pomponio Ranch

Show Jumping Trainer

San Gregorio, CA · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Train show jumping horses aged three years and older, incorporating flat work, jumping, trail riding, and conditioning exercises. * Lunge horses to prepare them for training sessions and maintain ...

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Trail Riding information

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$8

$16

$20

How much do trail riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail riding in the United States is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is trail riding?

Trail riding is a recreational activity where individuals ride horses along designated trails, typically through forests, mountains, fields, or other natural landscapes. It is enjoyed by people of all skill levels and can involve short rides or multi-day excursions. Trail riding offers the opportunity to connect with nature, improve horsemanship skills, and enjoy the companionship of horses in a relaxed, scenic environment. Safety, respect for nature, and proper horse care are essential components of trail riding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trail riding guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trail Riding Guide, you need strong horsemanship, knowledge of trail safety, and often certifications in first aid or equine management. Familiarity with GPS devices, equestrian tack, and communication radios is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership are crucial soft skills for guiding riders and handling unexpected situations. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and confidence of both riders and horses during trail excursions.

What are some common challenges faced by trail riding guides, and how can they be addressed?

Trail riding guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with varying riding abilities, ensuring safety on uneven terrain, and handling unexpected situations like spooked horses or sudden weather changes. To address these, guides should conduct thorough pre-ride briefings, match horses to riders' experience levels, and maintain strong communication throughout the ride. Developing quick problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are crucial, as is having proper first aid and emergency training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is the difference between Trail Riding vs Horseback Riding?

AspectTrail RidingHorseback Riding
CertificationsOptional; experience recommendedOptional; experience recommended
Work EnvironmentOutdoor trails, natural settingsVaries; outdoor or indoor arenas
Industry UsageRecreational, tourism, equestrian sportsRecreational, competitive, therapeutic

Trail Riding specifically involves riding horses on outdoor trails and natural terrains, often for recreation or tourism. Horseback Riding is a broader term that includes various riding styles, including trail riding, arena riding, and competitive disciplines. While both require basic riding skills, trail riding emphasizes outdoor experience and navigation, whereas horseback riding can encompass a wider range of activities and environments.

More about Trail Riding jobs

What cities are hiring for Trail Riding jobs?

Cities with the most Trail Riding job openings:

What states have the most Trail Riding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trail Riding jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Trail Riding jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Trail Riding jobs are:

Trail Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trail Riding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,330 per year, or $16 per hour.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Hospitality

Middleburg, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.

  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property and provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.

  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities, ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for young riders and their families.

Job description

Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor

Salamander Middleburg | Middleburg, VA
Full-Time | $18.00 per hour | Up to 40 hours per week + Service Charges & Gratuities

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our Equestrian team at our luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who enjoys horse care, riding instruction, trail riding, stable operations, and guest service.

The Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor is responsible for the daily care and well-being of our resort horses while creating safe, memorable riding experiences for resort guests of varying ages and experience levels.

What You'll DoHorse Care & Stable Operations

  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.

  • Clean stalls and perform routine barn and stable duties.

  • Clean, maintain, and properly store tack and riding equipment.

  • Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behavior and provide basic first aid when appropriate.

  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized equestrian facilities.

  • Assist with general barn, stable, and facility upkeep.

Riding Instruction & Trail Rides

  • Provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.

  • Teach guests of varying ages and riding abilities using safe and appropriate riding techniques.

  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.

  • Evaluate riders and appropriately match guests with horses based on ability and experience.

  • Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining a strong focus on rider and horse safety.

Children's Equestrian Programs

  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.

  • Provide a welcoming, educational, and safe experience for young riders and their families.

Safety & Equipment

  • Follow established equestrian and horse-handling safety procedures.

  • Maintain safe practices around horses, guests, equipment, and stable facilities.

  • Safely operate a small Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as required.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.

  • Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.

  • Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.

  • Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.

  • Knowledge of classical riding and high-quality horsemanship standards preferred; willingness to learn required.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, children, and team members.

  • Dependable and comfortable working in an active, outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active position that requires the ability to:

  • Stand and walk for extended periods.

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands frequently.

  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

  • Safely lift and move up to 75 pounds.

  • Perform routine horse care and stable duties throughout the workday.

Pay & Compensation

  • $18.00 per hour

  • Full-time schedule of up to 40 hours per week

  • Service charges and gratuities earned when teaching or facilitating eligible guest appointments

  • Bi-weekly pay

Benefits & Perks

Salamander Middleburg offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package for eligible team members, including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Company-Paid Holidays

  • Complimentary Employee Meals

  • Complimentary Uniforms

  • Employee Access Privileges & Discount Programs

  • Friends & Family Discounts on room stays at Salamander properties

  • Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and resort amenities

Join the Salamander Middleburg Equestrian Team

If you are passionate about horses, horsemanship, riding instruction, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to apply to join the Equestrian team at Salamander Middleburg.

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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