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Horse riding instructors teach children and adults of all abilities, how to ride.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; as customers demand
There will be
4.3% more Horse riding instructor jobs in 2029.
In your local area
As a riding instructor, you could:
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
You could work at a riding stable.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
You can get into this job through:
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:
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.
You'll usually need:
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.
You'll need to:
You'll find more advice about becoming a riding instructor from:The British Horse Society; The ABRS+; Riding for the Disabled Association
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.