To become a horse riding instructor, you must have excellent riding and horsemanship skills. Working with horses necessitates a passion for them, as working with them can entail long hours of hands-on labor in all types of weather. Many instructors have grown up around horses and riding for most of their lives, and teaching comes naturally to them. Others are passionate about horseback riding and horsemanship. They may begin their careers as working students or apprentices, learning on the job.
A college education is not required to become a horse riding instructor in most cases, but it can help fill in knowledge gaps. A degree, when combined with the necessary horse experience, may make a person interested in becoming a horse riding instructor more appealing to employers. Many colleges and universities offer equine studies degrees with a focus on riding and riding instruction. Classes in marketing and business can also be beneficial, especially if you want to work as a riding instructor on your own.
Depending on the country, professional teaching certification may or may not be required to become a horse riding instructor. Without professional certification, it can be difficult to find work as a riding instructor in some countries. Certification may be advantageous in other countries, aiding marketing efforts, for example, but it is not required.
When it comes to becoming a horse riding instructor, good communication, people skills, and teaching skills are essential. When working with horses, beginning riders, and even riders of all levels, patience will come in handy. Horse sports can be dangerous, so if you want to be a horse riding instructor, you should have a strong safety mindset.
Riding instructors work in a variety of settings, including riding schools and show barns, guest ranches, and children’s summer camps. Some of the riding instructors work for a specific facility. Others are self-employed and teach from one stable to the next. Instructors may teach a variety of riding styles or specialize in one. Dressage, hunter seat equitation, Western reining, and other riding styles are examples.
In addition to teaching, horse riding instructors frequently do other horse-related jobs. This may be at the request of the employer, or it may be a necessity for self-employed horse riding instructors to make ends meet. A horse riding instructor’s other responsibilities may include training and exercising horses, managing the stable, and grooming. They may also compete in horse shows and buy and sell horses for their clients. To be a successful horse riding instructor, you must have a broad understanding of horses and riding.