Horseback Riding Guide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world where outdoor activities and recreational sports are gaining popularity, the focus on horseback riding guides has never been more profound.

As the equestrian industry evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can guide, teach, and ensure the safety of both rider and horse is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a horseback riding guide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of horseback riding guidance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable horseback riding guide job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Horseback Riding Guide Duties and Responsibilities

Horseback Riding Guides are responsible for leading groups on horseback riding excursions, ensuring the safety of both the riders and the horses.

They must be well-versed in equine care and riding techniques, as well as possess strong leadership and communication skills.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing riders’ skill levels and providing appropriate instruction for beginners
• Leading riding groups on designated trails while ensuring safety protocols are followed
• Providing riders with information about the trail, local flora and fauna, and historical points of interest
• Maintaining the welfare and care of the horses, including feeding, grooming, and checking for signs of illness or injury
• Ensuring saddles, bridles, and other riding equipment are properly fitted and in good condition
• Administering first aid to riders or horses if necessary
• Assisting with stable maintenance tasks such as cleaning stalls, replenishing bedding and maintaining fencing
• Adhering to local laws and regulations regarding horseback riding and trail use
• Communicating with riders to address any concerns or problems

 

Horseback Riding Guide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Horseback Riding Guide to lead tours and riding lessons for our guests.

The Horseback Riding Guide’s responsibilities will include preparing horses for rides, teaching basic horse riding techniques, leading horseback tours, and ensuring the safety of guests at all times.

The ideal candidate has a deep love for horses, excellent horse riding skills, and the ability to engage and entertain guests.

They should also have a good understanding of horse behavior and care, and be trained in basic first aid and safety procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Preparing horses for rides and ensuring their health and safety
• Teaching guests basic horse riding techniques and safety procedures
• Leading horseback tours in a variety of terrains and weather conditions
• Handling horses in a calm and confident manner
• Providing engaging and informative commentary during tours
• Assisting guests with mounting and dismounting horses
• Monitoring horse behavior and reporting any health or behavioral issues
• Maintaining riding equipment and facilities
• Attending to any guest injuries or emergencies

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Horseback Riding Guide or similar role
• Excellent horse riding skills
• Knowledge of horse behavior, care, and basic first aid
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrains
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of physical fitness and stamina
• Certification in CPR and First Aid is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certification in equine studies or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Outdoor working environment
• Opportunity to work with horses daily

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horseback Riding Guide
• Work Environment: Outdoor equestrian center. The role will involve physical activities and working in various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Equestrian Center Manager or Lead Horseback Riding Guide.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Horseback Riding Guide Do?

Horseback Riding Guides work typically for equestrian centres, horse riding schools or may also operate independently, offering guided tours and rides.

They are responsible for leading groups or individuals on trail rides, ensuring riders are safe, comfortable, and enjoying their experience.

They also conduct pre-ride briefings, instructing riders on basic horse handling techniques and safety procedures.

Horseback Riding Guides often help riders with mounting and dismounting horses and adjusting riding equipment.

In case of inexperienced riders, they provide basic riding lessons to help them feel more confident.

They are also tasked with the care and maintenance of the horses, which includes feeding, grooming, and sometimes exercising the horses.

They ensure that all the equipment like saddles, bridles, and stirrups are in good condition, and often they are involved in the planning of the trail routes, considering the weather conditions, riders’ abilities, and safety of the horses.

Horseback Riding Guides need to possess good communication skills to interact with riders of all ages and levels of experience, and in emergency situations, they need to provide first aid until professional medical assistance arrives.

Their job often extends beyond riding, as they may also educate riders about local flora, fauna, and history, enhancing the overall riding experience.

 

Horseback Riding Guide Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Horseback Riding Guide should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Extensive knowledge and experience with horses, including feeding, grooming, and riding techniques
• Ability to manage groups of varying sizes and skill levels on trail rides
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with guests, provide clear instructions, and ensure a positive riding experience
• Physical fitness and endurance for long hours of riding and handling horses
• First aid and emergency response training to handle any potential accidents or emergencies on the trail
• Knowledge of local flora, fauna, and landmarks to provide insightful and informative guided tours
• Customer service skills for scheduling rides, managing bookings, and ensuring overall guest satisfaction
• Patient and calm demeanor to deal with various horse behaviors and to reassure nervous riders

 

Horseback Riding Guide Experience Requirements

Candidates for a horseback riding guide role should ideally have several years of experience handling horses, both in a stable environment and while riding.

This experience can be gained through employment at a stable, horse farm, or riding school, or even through owning or leasing horses personally.

Entry-level horseback riding guides often have at least 1 to 2 years of practical experience.

This may come from volunteer work, internships or part-time roles at riding schools, stables, or horse farms where they have learned to saddle, mount, and control a horse confidently.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually expected to have a more in-depth understanding of horses, including their behavior, basic veterinary care, and safety procedures.

This knowledge can be developed by working closely with horses in roles such as stable hands, horse trainers, or equestrian coaches.

Horseback riding guides with more than 5 years of experience often have more specialized skills, such as leading trail rides, teaching riding lessons, or training horses for specific tasks or sports.

These experienced guides may also have some level of leadership or managerial experience, such as overseeing a team of guides, managing a stable, or running a riding school.

In addition to these practical experience requirements, candidates often need to have a riding certification from a recognized equestrian organization, such as the British Horse Society (BHS) or the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).

This certification shows that they have met specific standards of knowledge and skill when it comes to handling and riding horses.

 

Horseback Riding Guide Education and Training Requirements

Horseback Riding Guides usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and most importantly, they must have experience with horse handling and riding.

They need to possess strong equestrian skills, which can be obtained through years of horse riding and handling experience.

Many guides have also participated in formal riding lessons or equestrian clubs.

Knowledge in equine first aid is crucial, and completing a certification course is highly recommended.

These courses typically cover horse health, common injuries and illnesses, emergency procedures, and preventative care.

In addition, many states require Horseback Riding Guides to have a guide or outfitter license.

This usually requires the candidate to be over 18 years old, to have first aid and CPR certifications, and sometimes to pass a written and practical examination.

Guide certification programs are also available and may be beneficial.

These programs usually cover topics such as horse care, trail etiquette, and customer service.

Finally, because Horseback Riding Guides interact with diverse clientele, they may benefit from customer service training or experience.

Since they often work in outdoor, wilderness settings, having training in outdoor survival skills can also be a plus.

 

Horseback Riding Guide Salary Expectations

A Horseback Riding Guide can expect to earn an average salary of $25,000 (USD) per year.

This may vary based on factors such as experience, certifications, location, and the type of establishment.

Seasonal positions may offer different compensation, including tips or accommodation benefits.

 

Horseback Riding Guide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horseback Riding Guide need?

A Horseback Riding Guide should possess excellent horse riding skills and a deep understanding of horse behavior and care.

They need to be able to assess the riding abilities of different clients and adjust the experience accordingly.

Good physical fitness, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and customer service abilities are also essential.

It’s beneficial if they have basic first aid skills in case of emergencies during the ride.

 

Do Horseback Riding Guides need a specific qualification or degree?

Horseback Riding Guides do not need a specific degree, but having formal training or certification in horse care, horse riding, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some employers prefer guides with a certification from a recognized equestrian organization.

Additionally, a first aid certification might be required by some employers for safety purposes.

 

What should you look for in a Horseback Riding Guide resume?

Look for experience in horse riding and customer service roles on a Horseback Riding Guide resume.

They should have knowledge of horse care and handling, safety regulations, and tour guiding.

Certifications from equestrian organizations or in first aid can be a plus.

Evidence of physical fitness and stamina to handle long riding hours is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Horseback Riding Guide?

A good Horseback Riding Guide is patient, as they often need to teach beginners how to ride.

They should be passionate about horses and the outdoors, and have excellent communication skills to effectively guide and instruct riders.

Being physically fit, they should be able to manage long hours in the saddle.

Good problem-solving skills are key to handle any unexpected situations that may occur during a ride.

 

What are the daily duties of a Horseback Riding Guide?

A Horseback Riding Guide’s daily duties usually include preparing horses for rides, leading horseback tours, instructing clients on riding techniques, and ensuring the safety of all riders.

They also maintain equipment, interact with clients, and sometimes help in feeding and grooming horses.

Depending on the setup, they may also help with horse training and stabling responsibilities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you on a journey to truly understand what it means to be a horseback riding guide.

And guess what?

It’s not just about riding horses.

It’s about nurturing an authentic connection between human and horse, one ride at a time.

With our comprehensive horseback riding guide job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to saddle up.

But why halt your gallop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stride to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every ride is a part of a larger adventure.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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