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Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guests will have access to a variety of activities across the property, including guided hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife as well as whitewater rafting and guided fishing trips through local ...

Guests will have access to a variety of activities across the property, including guided hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife as well as whitewater rafting and guided fishing trips through local ...

Mounted Patrol Volunteer

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Volunteer Job Number: 2025-00036 Department: Sheriffs Office - Volunteers Opening Date: 04/04/2025 ... Owning/Training (horses) * Pleasure Riding * Training (riders) * Showing (pleasure) * Endurance ...

Showing results 41-60

Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide information

See salary details

$8

$19

$33

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

As of Aug 22, 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 is a volunteer horseback riding guide?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a volunteer horseback riding guide?

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.

What challenges do 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 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:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Horseback Riding Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Helen Woodward Animal Shelter

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Therapeutic Riding Instructors Needed!

Therapeutic Riding Instructor-(Path) Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$24.00/hour

Part Time (PT about 24 hours per week) (Includes weekdays, weekends (Sun required), and holidays as needed)

Are you passionate about developing a rider's potential through the dedicated practice of learning to ride, control, and bond with horses? Do you have experience providing equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs? Is maintaining a PATH Int'l credentialed environment for riders, horses, instructors, and volunteers important to you? Then look no further, we have the opportunity for you!

There is nothing traditional about the service we provide to our community! As a Therapeutic Riding Instructor you will have a highly rewarding opportunity to help improve the lives of individuals each day! Helen Woodward Animal Center is one of only a handful of facilities in Southern California to be a certified member of PATH International.

This role is an ideal position for a registered-level instructor with PATH Int'l with several years' experience riding hours at an advanced level. The Therapeutic Riding Instructor opportunity will provide exposure to proper therapeutic techniques, Path Int'l safety standards, and building sincere connections within the San Diego community.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITES:

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of riders, horses, and volunteers at all times during therapy sessions. This role will require an individual to be attentive, knowledgeable, and proactive towards a client's personal disabilities and behavioral tendencies.

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is expected to prepare, coach to, and evaluate lesson plans in a manner consistent with the client's capabilities and progression. You may regularly be required to coordinate care with families, physical, and/or occupational therapists of your clients. As a part of this role you will also actively recruit and assist in the training of horse for the therapeutic program.

This role does not include managerial responsibilities, but you will lead and direct volunteers assisting with the program and therefore should promote a respect-first environment. A sense of teamwork is essential to success in this role. This individual should be willing and able to perform various therapeutic duties or customer interactions at any time with an energetic and professional spirit.

Ensure quality animal care and records are maintained in a manner that ensures accuracy, confidentiality, accessibility, and safe keeping.

Other requirements include:

  • Current PATH Intl. certification as registered-level instructor is required. Advanced or Mastery-level is preferred
  • At least 2 years of experience working or volunteering at a PATH Intl. Premiere Accredited Therapeutic Riding or Member Center
  • 3-5 years working with horses, advanced level of instructor-riding is preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in handling personnel concerns with urgency and professionalism
  • Reliable team player committed to building positive relationships and adapting to several roles and tasks when needed
  • Consistent record of attendance and punctuality
  • Solutions/results oriented and passionate about meeting individual and team goals
  • This position does require consistent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting bending, lifting and assisting children of young ages and reaching overhead. Candidates will spend up to 95% of the time working outdoors. This individual will be working in close proximity to animals therefore allergens and dander is present at all times
  • Driving duties are not a requirement in this role

Due to the nature of our clients and our work environment, a LiveScan fingerprint back ground check is required.

HWAC is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment for all of our employees and prospecting candidates.