Horse riding instructor
Horse riding instructors teach children and adults of all abilities, how to ride.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a riding instructor, you could:
- coach riders of all ages and abilities
- develop training programmes suited to individual riders
- help riders develop good habits and learn how to correct problems
- lead groups of riders on treks
- make sure riders and horses are safe at all times
- give feedback and keep records of rider development
- assess riders who are working towards qualifications
- help riders prepare for competitions, like show jumping or eventing
Working environment
You could work at a riding stable.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could supervise junior staff and train other riding instructors.
You could take advanced qualifications like a Level 4 Certificate in Horse Care and Management, or a degree in Equine Business Management, to run your own riding school, pony trekking centre or riding holiday company.
You could become a head or senior instructor, a competition judge, or move into centre management. You might also become self-employed and work freelance with several centres, or coach professional riders.
As an experienced instructor, you could apply for the IGEQ Equestrian Passport, which can help if you want to teach horse riding abroad.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to teach pupils how to do something
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- the ability to work on your own
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get a trainee position with a riding centre.
Courses include:
- horse care
- horse management
- equine studies
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You may be able to apply for an Equine Groom Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Senior Equine Groom Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you could apply for jobs as a riding instructor's assistant and take further coaching qualifications on the job.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can be a good way to get work experience. This could be useful when you apply for paid jobs.
You can complete training and pass exams with The British Horse Society (BHS) or The Association of British Riding Schools, Livery Yards and Equestrian Centres (ABRS+).
You'll need to be a member of The BHS to follow their Coaching Pathway. You can train for the Stage 3 and Stage 4 Coach award to qualify as a riding instructor.
The ABRS+ training route leads to an Equestrian Coaching Certificate. You do not need to be a member of the ABRS+ to take their exams.
You can also complete other specialist instructor awards through organisations like the Pony Club.
You can work with people with disabilities by following the Riding for the Disabled Association's Coaching Pathway.
Further information
You'll find more advice about becoming a riding instructor from:
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