We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Take individuals and groups out on horse riding treks in mostly rural areas
- Use your riding, leadership, navigation, administration and bookkeeping skills
- You could progress into a management position, like a riding holiday centre manager
As a riding holiday leader, you'll organise and run group treks in countryside and coastal areas.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Assessing riders' abilities
- Making sure riders are wearing the correct clothing
- Explaining safety procedures and basic riding techniques, like mounting, dismounting and stopping
- Organising yard staff
- Employing assistants and other junior staff
- Training assistant ride leaders
- Taking riders out on treks
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your salary will depend on the size of the centre you work at. You may get extra benefits like accommodation, stabling, or use of centre facilities.
You'll often work long hours, including evenings and weekend and you may need to live at the centre in some jobs. Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with a love of horses, riding skills, the ability to lead a group in a firm but friendly manner, the ability to reassure nervous or first time riders, map reading skills, administration and bookkeeping skills.
There are no set entry requirements, but you'll need good riding skills and experience of horse care and management. You'll also need to be over 16 years of age, have a first aid certificate and pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults.
You could start as a stablehand or groom and with further training and experience, work your way up to become a riding holiday leader.
Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can also be a good way to get started.
You could take a ride leader course, like those offered by The British Horse Society.
Alternatively, you can do an advanced apprenticeship in horse care and management.
You may also find it useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Subjects include Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care and Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience and qualifications you could move into a management position, like a riding holiday centre manager.