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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horseback Trail Guide

Sorrento, FL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Guiding from front/rear/side while always maintaining control of your own horse. * Pony another ... Advanced horsemanship and riding skills. The above statements describe the general nature of work ...

$12 - $14/hr

Lead horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for campers and guests of varying skill levels. * Assist with horse care, including feeding, grooming, tacking, and stall maintenance. * Ensure ...

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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide information

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$8

$19

$33

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

As of Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Easterseals Florida

New Smyrna Beach, FL โ€ข On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
$17.00 to $19.00 per hour for non-certified, $20.00 to $22.00 per hour for certified/dual certified
Part-Time position working 20 to 29 hours per week, Monday through Thursday
Do you have a passion for horses and a heart for helping others thrive? Easterseals Florida is looking for a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) to join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic riding.
In this role, you'll provide PATH International-compliant riding instruction in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment while helping riders build confidence, skills, and independence. You'll work closely with riders, families, volunteers, and fellow staff to support each participant's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
If you're a compassionate professional who enjoys working with horses, people, and a mission-driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Come be part of a program where every ride can help change a life.
What You'll Do
  • Provide therapeutic riding instruction following PATH International standards
  • Create, track, and celebrate individualized rider goals and progress
  • Supervise, mentor, and support volunteers during riding sessions
  • Assist with equine care and overall barn operations
  • Build positive, trusting relationships with riders and their families
  • Help foster a welcoming, respectful, and team-oriented environment

What We're Looking For
  • High school diploma required
  • Current PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification
  • At least three (3) years of hands-on equine experience
  • At least one (1) year of formal horseback riding teaching experience
  • CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers, and professionals
  • A flexible, energetic, and resourceful team player with sound judgment and integrity
  • Willingness to work additional hours as needed
  • Ability to meet our approved driver qualifications in order to drive your personal vehicle, as required, for program-related needs (minimum age of 21 and good driving history)

Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for.
Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP).
Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, hr@fl.easterseals.com, 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792.
Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Salary Description
$17.00 to $22.00 per hour