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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

P3 Rock Springs LLC

Horseback Trail Guide

Sorrento, FL · 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 ...

Auberge Collection

Equestrian Guide

Meadows Of Dan, VA · On-site

... from horseback riding to fly-fishing and beyond. For more information, please visit auberge.com ... guided trail rides as well as assist with cleaning of facilities, grooming, mucking stalls and ...

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Fishing Guide

Lampe, MO · On-site

... horseback riding, and trout fishing. The vision of Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the ... Guides will gauge the experience level of the guest and educate them accordingly on various aspects ...

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (CTR)

Be Seen First

Program/Client Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

... Riding Program for children, adults, and veterans who live with disabilities and diagnoses. Through the kindness of benefactors, volunteers, and horses, CTR's riders and families find hope, growth ...

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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide information

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$19

$33

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
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What are the most commonly searched types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs? The most popular types of Horseback Riding Guide jobs are:
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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:
Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide jobs near you
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.
Registered Riding Instructor

Registered Riding Instructor

Hospital for Special Care

Middletown, CT • On-site

Per diem

Posted 12 days ago

Hospital for Special Care rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

353rd of 999 rated hospitals

Job description

Position Location:
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:
0Work Shift:
Second ShiftDepartment:
Manes and Motions Riding Center
We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
  • Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
  • Required: First Aid Certification.
  • Required: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
  • Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY
  • Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
  • Sit 0-20% of each shift.
  • Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
  • Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
  • Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
  • Grasp with both hands on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
  • Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS
  • Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
  • Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required. A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
  • Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
  • Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
  • Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS
  • Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs. There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments. There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III). Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
  • Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
  • Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
  • Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
  • Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
  • Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
  • Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
  • Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.

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