Riding Instructor

Description

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Provide professional equestrian instruction and leadership to students of all ages and abilities. Adapt instruction and equipment to meet the individual needs of each rider, including both mounted and unmounted instruction. Involve riders in all aspects of preparing a horse for mounted activities, such as retrieving the horse from the stall, grooming, and tacking.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Teach high-quality, goal-oriented, interactive, progressive, and safe riding lessons in English or Western riding, horsemanship, equitation, trail riding, therapy, and other aspects of horse care, following best practices and regulations to meet the individual needs of participants.  

2. Prepare for lessons by ensuring that the horse is in good health and ready to participate, that the riding equipment is safe and in good repair, and that the physical environment is clean, safe, and free of hazards.  

3. Develop and execute lessons and horsemanship activities that align with PATH standards, using structured lesson plans that gradually build horsemanship and independent skills in all participants.  

4. Teach participants how to communicate effectively with their horses.  

5. Supervise students at all times during lessons.  

6. Maintain regular participant logs, document goals, and take lesson notes.  

7. Communicate with parents as needed regarding their participant's goals and progress, always in a positive, professional, and respectful manner, in line with Camp Red Cedar’s core values.  

8. Maintain a horse use log and conditioning notes as directed by the Barn Manager.  

9. Communicate with supervisors and team members about horse needs and any necessary changes to lesson scheduling.  

10. Organize equipment and teach animal care responsibilities.

OTHER DUTIES:  

1. Direct volunteers in a positive and respectful manner before, during, and after lessons, empowering them to provide the best possible experience for participants.  

2. Assist in maintaining orderly stalls, barns, office space, equipment, and arenas.  

3. Provide, maintain, and develop an ongoing horse conditioning program.  

4. Participate in annual performance reviews and continuing education opportunities.  

5. Continuously innovate and streamline processes and procedures.  

6. Attend all scheduled meetings, including quarterly mandatory meetings, training sessions, and facility improvement days.  

7. Comply with all standards to ensure the health and safety of all staff and participants.  

8. Be vigilant and report any incidents, including accidents or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, to the supervisor or department head immediately.  

9. Be familiar with all emergency procedures and participate in monthly drills.  

10. Maintain required employment documentation, including a current driver's license, auto insurance, certifications (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration, MANDT), and training (e.g., OSHA, Abuse & Neglect) as required to comply with federal, state, and program standards.  

11. Organize and teach responsible horse care and management.  

12. Serve as a positive role model for students, staff, co-workers, and volunteers.  

13. Demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, sound judgment, initiative, and reliability.  

14. Report to work as scheduled.  

15. Perform other duties as assigned.  

Benchmark Human Services and Camp Red Cedar are Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity Employers.  

Requirements

1. Experience: A minimum of 3 years of riding experience is preferred.  

2. Certifications: CHA Certification or PATH, Intl Certification is preferred.  

3. Education: High School diploma or GED is required.  

4. Work Environment: Ability to work outdoors in a barn setting 

5. Supervision: Ability to work independently without direct supervision.  

6. Safety: Must be safety-conscious at all times.