A horse riding instructor works with people of different ages, riding ability and experience, and teach them to ride horses. Their job is to teach methods of horse riding (and also horse care) to beginners and improve the intermediate and advanced rider's style and technique. A riding instructor may also serve as a coach for a professional rider in competition. Some instructors may work out of their own riding facility, others at a riding school or training centre. With appropriate academic credentials, some may teach in a college or university equestrian studies program. If you have patience and love working with horses, this could be the career for you.

Tasks:

1. Teach people how to interact with horses properly and teach jockeys how to direct and manage racehorses
2. Teach people who want to ride as a leisure activity
3. Help individual riders or teams to prepare for competitions like show jumping, eventing or dressage
4. Make sure health and safety rules are followed
5. Help horses and riders to warm up and cool down during training
6. Develop training programmes suited to individual riders
7. Give practical demonstrations
8. Observe riders in order to spot and help correct problems
9. Give feedback and keep records of rider development
10. Assess riders who are working towards qualifications

Key skills for horse riding instructor:

• A genuine interest in horses and teaching
• Patience and confidence
• Intuition and intelligence
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills
• Excellent horse management skills
• To enjoy outdoor work

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £14,000 – £24,000 per year
The United States of America: $31,030 per year
Australia: between AU$32,000 and $49,000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

There is no set entry route to become a horse riding instructor. Most instructors work towards qualifications that are provided by professional bodies and are recognised by the industry. These include qualifications from your country’s Horse Society or Association of Riding Schools.
To gain the qualifications, you will need to complete training which will give you the skills and knowledge needed to become an instructor and pass the exams.
Usually qualifications for instructors include: Preliminary Teaching Test; Assistant Instructor Certificate; Intermediate Instructor Certificate; Instructor’s Certificate. Names of these qualifications way vary depending on the country.