Horseback Tour Guide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of outdoor recreation, the focus on horseback tour guides has never been more significant.

The tourism industry continues to evolve, and with each stride, the demand for skilled individuals who can lead, entertain, and ensure the safety of our equestrian adventurers grows.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a horseback tour guide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of horseback touring,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s gallop right into it.

Horseback Tour Guide Duties and Responsibilities

Horseback Tour Guides lead groups on horseback through specific trails or areas, providing information and ensuring the safety of the group.

They combine their passion for horses, riding, and the outdoors with the ability to educate and entertain.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing horses for the tour, including saddling and bridling
• Providing safety briefings to participants before the ride
• Leading tours on designated trails and providing informative commentary
• Monitoring the health and wellbeing of horses
• Managing the behaviour of the group to ensure safety
• Maintaining equipment and facilities, such as saddles and stables
• Providing basic horse riding instruction to participants if necessary
• Responding to emergencies and administering first aid
• Ensuring that all riding regulations and safety standards are followed
• Maintaining detailed records of tours and incidents

 

Horseback Tour Guide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and passionate Horseback Tour Guide to provide educational and entertaining experiences to our guests.

The Horseback Tour Guide will be responsible for leading groups of guests on horseback tours, ensuring their safety, answering their questions, and educating them about the natural environment and history of the area.

Our ideal candidate has strong communication and leadership skills, a thorough knowledge of horse handling and care, and a passion for nature and outdoor activities.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead groups on guided horseback tours in a safe and professional manner
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the guests and horses at all times
• Educate guests about the natural environment, wildlife, and historical landmarks
• Provide basic horse riding instructions to guests
• Perform daily health checks on horses and report any concerns
• Assist in maintaining trails and facilities
• Respond to emergencies and provide first aid as needed
• Assist with horse care and stable management

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a tour guide or similar role
• Experience in horseback riding and handling
• Knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership abilities
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift heavy items

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to work in a beautiful outdoor setting

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horseback Tour Guide
• Work Environment: Outdoor setting with regular exposure to various weather conditions. The role involves significant physical activity and interaction with animals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Tour Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-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 Tour Guide Do?

Horseback Tour Guides often work for equestrian centers, ranches, or tourism companies that provide horseback riding services.

They may also work as self-employed individuals, especially in areas with high tourism demand.

Their job primarily involves leading groups of riders on trails, ensuring that both riders and horses are safe and comfortable during the excursion.

They have the responsibility of managing the horses, which includes grooming, feeding, saddling, and making sure the animals are healthy and well taken care of.

Before each tour, Horseback Tour Guides typically provide basic riding instructions to participants, making sure they understand how to control the horse and what to do in case of an emergency.

During the ride, they lead the group along predetermined trails, often providing information about local flora, fauna, and other points of interest.

They are also responsible for dealing with any issues that may arise, such as a horse acting out or a rider having difficulty.

After each tour, they unsaddle and care for the horses, and often clean up the trail to maintain the natural environment.

They need to have an excellent understanding of horse behavior and riding techniques, as well as good communication skills to provide clear instructions and information to participants.

 

Horseback Tour Guide Qualifications and Skills

A successful Horseback Tour Guide should have the skills and qualifications that match with your job requirements, such as:

• Excellent riding skills to guide tours and handle horses safely in various terrains and weather conditions
• Sound knowledge of horse behavior, care, and training techniques to assure the wellbeing of the animals and safety of the guests
• Interpersonal skills to connect with guests, handle their queries, and provide a memorable touring experience
• First-aid and CPR certification to handle any medical emergencies during the tour
• Communication skills to effectively share interesting facts about the tour location, safety instructions, and horse riding tips with guests
• Customer service skills to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction, manage bookings, and follow up with guests
• Physical fitness to ride for long periods, assist guests, and perform necessary horse care tasks
• Problem-solving skills to quickly assess and handle any unexpected situations or issues that may arise during the tour

 

Horseback Tour Guide Experience Requirements

Experience requirements for a Horseback Tour Guide generally include a strong background in horse care and riding, with a minimum of 1 to 2 years’ experience.

This can be acquired through formal equestrian training, volunteering at stables, or previous jobs involving horse handling.

In addition, experience in the tourism or hospitality industry is advantageous.

This can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteering at tourist sites or local attractions.

This experience will provide the guide with the necessary skills to deliver engaging tours and excellent customer service.

Tour guides with more than 3 years of horseback riding and care experience are usually more proficient and confident in managing groups of tourists and handling unexpected situations that may arise during a tour.

Those with over 5 years of experience and additional leadership or management experience could be considered for supervisory roles.

These roles may involve training new guides, developing tour routes, or overseeing the daily operations of the tour company.

Some tour companies may also require their guides to have a first aid certificate, a driving license, and proficiency in one or more foreign languages, depending on the location and clientele of the tours.

 

Horseback Tour Guide Education and Training Requirements

Horseback Tour Guides typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may pursue higher education in fields such as tourism, hospitality, or outdoor recreation.

The main requirement for this role is extensive experience with horses.

This includes knowledge about horse care, riding skills, as well as understanding horse behavior.

This knowledge can be gained through practical experience, or by attending a horse riding school, or obtaining a certification from a reputable equestrian organization.

Many guides also acquire first aid and CPR certifications, in case of emergencies during the tour.

In some regions, a commercial driver’s license may also be required to transport clients and horses to and from the trail.

Knowledge about local flora, fauna, and history is also important, as guides often share this information with tourists.

This can be self-taught, or learned through courses or on-the-job training.

Horseback Tour Guides should also have excellent customer service skills.

This can be improved through courses or work experience in the hospitality or customer service industry.

Finally, some regions may require tour guides to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary, but generally include passing a written or oral exam demonstrating knowledge about the local area and its history.

 

Horseback Tour Guide Salary Expectations

A Horseback Tour Guide earns an average salary of $25,500 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the tour guide’s experience, location of operations, and the company that they work for.

Seasonality and tips can also significantly influence a tour guide’s total income.

 

Horseback Tour Guide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horseback Tour Guide need?

A Horseback Tour Guide should possess excellent horse riding skills, customer service skills, and knowledge about the local wildlife and landmarks.

They should have strong communication skills to interact with guests and provide information.

They also need to be physically fit and able to respond to emergencies.

 

Do Horseback Tour Guides need a degree?

No, a degree isn’t required to be a Horseback Tour Guide.

However, some relevant certifications or training in horse care, equine science, or outdoor leadership can be beneficial.

Most importantly, they need to be experienced horse riders.

First Aid and CPR certifications may also be required.

 

What should you look for in a Horseback Tour Guide’s resume?

Look for experience in horse riding, guiding, or working in a similar outdoor environment.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has a background in customer service or hospitality.

Training in horse care, safety procedures, and local knowledge of flora, fauna, and landmarks are also valuable assets.

 

What qualities make a good Horseback Tour Guide?

A good Horseback Tour Guide is personable, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious.

They should be passionate about nature and horses, and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.

They should be patient, especially with inexperienced riders, and have a keen sense of responsibility for the safety of their group.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Horseback Tour Guide?

Hiring a Horseback Tour Guide can be challenging due to the unique combination of skills required – horse riding, customer service, and local knowledge.

It’s important to find someone who is comfortable handling horses, can engage with guests, and has a good understanding of safety protocols.

The recruitment process may involve practical horse riding tests and interviews to assess their knowledge and interpersonal skills.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic world of being a horseback tour guide.

Surprised?

It’s not just about riding horses.

It’s about creating unforgettable experiences, one trail at a time.

With our comprehensive horseback tour guide job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to gallop ahead.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each trail ride is part of a grander adventure.

Let’s create those memorable journeys. Together.

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