Horse riding instructor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course at college that will give you some of the skills and knowledge to get into this role.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start through an intermediate equine groom or senior equine groom 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:

• 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

Volunteering

Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can be a good way to get started.

OtherRoutes

You can complete training and pass exams with the British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS).

You'll need to be a member of the BHS to follow their Coaching Pathway . You can train for the Stage 3 Coach award to qualify as a riding instructor.

The ABRS training route and practical exams include:

• an Initial Teaching Test
• a UK 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 .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to teach pupils how to do something
• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work on your own
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of media production and communication
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Horse riding instructors teach children and adults of all abilities, how to ride.

in your day-to-day duties you might:

• teach people who want to ride as a leisure activity
• help prepare for competitions like show jumping, eventing or dressage
• make sure health and safety rules are followed
• help horses and riders to warm up and cool down during training
• develop training programmes suited to individual riders
• give practical demonstrations
• help riders correct problems
• lead groups of riders on treks
• give feedback and keep records of rider development
• assess riders who are working towards qualifications

Location : You could work at a riding stable.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could supervise junior staff and train other riding instructors. You could become self-employed and work on a freelance basis for several centres.

You could take higher level 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 or riding holiday centre.

You could become a head or senior instructor, a competition judge, or move into management.

Once experienced, you could also apply for the IGEQ Equestrian Passport , making it easier for you to find work abroad.