Job Description

Posting number: RIFT2026

Department: Recreation

Division: HORSE ACTIVITY CENTER

Job classification: Riding Instructor Full-time

Posting type: Open

Categories: Recreation, Parks and Recreation

The Riding Instructor is responsible for providing safe, engaging, and educational horseback riding lessons in both Western and/or English disciplines to participants of varying skill levels at BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center. This position ensures the well-being of both riders and horses during lessons and programs by following established safety protocols and best practices in equestrian instruction. The Riding Instructor evaluates rider abilities, develops lesson plans, and teaches proper riding techniques, horse handling, and care. The Riding Instructor serves as a positive role model, promoting horsemanship, safety, and respect for animals and participants while also contributing to daily barn operations.

Examples of duties

Certification(s) Preferred:Certification in equestrian instruction from a recognized organization

Years Relevant Work Experience Preferred: Two or more years of experience

• Knowledge of Western and/or English riding disciplines, techniques, and instruction methods.
• Knowledge of basic horse care practices such as feeding, grooming, tack use, and barn safety procedures.
• Ability to instruct beginner to intermediate riders in a patient, clear, and supportive manner.
• Ability to maintain a safe and controlled environment for riders and horses.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and follow established barn procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to assess horse behavior and rider skill level to ensure appropriate horse/rider pairing.
• Specific knowledge of course material and discipline being taught.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including instruction, horse care, and program support.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to plan and instruct classes in a professional and proficient manner.
• Ability to work closely with the general public.
• Skill in effective verbal communication to convey riding techniques, safety expectations, and constructive feedback.

Qualifications

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Planning and delivering classes in a professional, proficient and courteous manner.
• Maintaining and enhancing positive public relations.
• Complying with and enforcing BREC safety regulations; responding to and reporting accidents within a specific timeframe.
• Maintain class roster and take attendance
• Collecting and submitting payments for course fees.
• Provide beginner to intermediate riding instruction in Western and/or English disciplines in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
• Deliver age-appropriate instruction to children and adults, promoting confidence, horsemanship skills, and proper riding techniques.
• Assist with and/or lead horseback riding activities during seasonal programming, including summer camps.
• Support and participate in the Hearts and Hooves adaptive riding program by providing instruction tailored to participant needs.
• Assist with weekend programming, including trail rides and birthday party activities.
• Ensure all riding lessons and activities adhere to established barn safety protocols and operational standards.
• Communicate effectively with students and participants to support skill development and safety awareness.
• Perform daily barn operations, including feeding, watering, haying, and maintaining horse stalls as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized tack rooms and equipment areas.
• Properly saddle, bridle, and fit tack to ensure safety and comfort for both horse and rider.
• Observe and monitor horse health and behavior; promptly report concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Ride and school lesson horses to maintain responsiveness, soundness, and suitability for instructional use.
• Promote consistency in the training and behavior of lesson horses across all programs.

Supplemental information

This is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, typically consisting of 8-hour workdays with a one-hour lunch break. Work hours are aligned with Farr Park’s operating schedule and may vary based on programming needs, including frequent evenings, weekends, special events, and overtime as required.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. You must include all relevant education and experience on your official BREC online application, or it will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for this vacancy. Complete each section of this application (i.e. work experience, education, etc.) to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement.