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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riding Instructor

Webster, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

... horseback riding lessons with the ability to teach group lessons * Ability to positively interact with participants, volunteers, staff, and community at large * Ability to lift over 50 pounds is ...

The Horseback Trail Guide provides exceptional guest service and frontline support for customers ... Be comfortable riding and guiding for up to 6 hours each shift. * Ensure the safety of all guests ...

We offer guided horseback riding tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rides range from a one hour ride to a five hour ride. We are open mid March through the end of October. Positions are ...

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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide information

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How much do volunteer horseback riding guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer horseback riding guide in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Volunteer Horseback Riding Guides face, and how can they prepare for them?

Volunteer Horseback Riding Guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups of riders with varying skill levels, ensuring the safety of both participants and horses, and adapting to changing trail or weather conditions. Preparation involves developing strong communication and leadership skills, familiarizing oneself with horse behavior and emergency procedures, and staying physically fit for outdoor work. Successful guides are proactive in assessing risk and providing clear instructions to riders, which helps create a positive and safe experience for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide vs Volunteer Equestrian Instructor?

AspectVolunteer Horseback Riding GuideVolunteer Equestrian Instructor
CertificationsBasic riding safety and first aidAdditional riding instruction certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor riding areas, farms, or ranchesIndoor or outdoor riding arenas, equestrian centers
Employer & IndustryResorts, therapeutic riding programs, farmsEquestrian schools, therapeutic riding centers
Common Search IntentVolunteer riding roles, outdoor equestrian activitiesTeaching riding skills, equestrian education

While both roles involve working with horses and outdoor environments, Volunteer Horseback Riding Guides primarily assist riders and ensure safety during trail rides or outdoor activities. Volunteer Equestrian Instructors focus more on teaching riding techniques and improving rider skills. The certifications and work settings overlap but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are Volunteer Horseback Riding Guides?

Volunteer Horseback Riding Guides are individuals who assist with leading horseback riding sessions, often for therapeutic, recreational, or educational programs. They help ensure the safety of riders, especially those with little experience or special needs, by walking alongside or guiding the horse. Their responsibilities may include preparing horses, assisting riders to mount and dismount, and providing encouragement and support during rides. Volunteers receive training to handle horses safely and to work with diverse participants. This role is ideal for people who love animals and want to contribute to their community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide, you need a solid understanding of horse care and handling, basic riding skills, and often a certification in first aid or equine safety. Familiarity with tack and riding equipment, as well as the ability to follow stable protocols, is important for ensuring safe rides. Strong communication, patience, and a friendly demeanor help build trust with riders and create a positive experience. These skills are essential to ensure the safety of both riders and horses, foster enjoyable outings, and maintain a supportive environment.
More about Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs? The most popular types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs are:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 5% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Horseback Riding Counselor / Instructor

blane@chateaugay.com

Merrill, NY

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Horseback Riding Counselor / Instructor

Job description:

Camp Chateaugay, a premier co-ed sleep-away camp for children ages 7-17, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Ranch / Horseback Riding Assistant / Counselor for our English-style equestrian program at our working ranch in an extraordinary Adirondack Mountain setting.

Features:

  • 10 well-trained horses
  • Two fully-equipped barns
  • Professional sand arena
  • Dedicated jump field
  • Network of scenic trails
  • Spacious turnout paddocks

Responsibilities:

As a riding counselor at Chateaugay you will work under your area director to provide fun, engaging and safe lessons with 2 other horseback riding counselors. Being a part of our horse riding time is a demanding job and your day will look a little different to other counselors, as you will not have any bunk responsibilities. For example, you will get up earlier to feed and muck out the horses but you will not be expected to live in a cabin with campers as your hours are a little different and demanding. You'll guide approximately 40 eager campers of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced

Camper Instruction: Teaching the fundamentals of grooming, tacking, and stable management. As well as instructing riders in walk, trot, canter, and introductory jumping techniques. Helping with daily ranch operations and maintenance, ensuring the safety and well-being of all horses. Also maintaining equipment and facility standards.There is even a field trip to the Lake Placid Horse Show.

Additionally, our extensive riding option allows campers to ride multiple times a week, and the stable management program gives horse enthusiasts extra time to deepen their equine skills.

We provide a salary, accommodations away from the campers but shared with other counselors plus all meals and room and board is included, an allowance for travel included, and a supportive, inclusive camp community.

To apply, please contact: Blane Stewart - ------------