Equestrian Coach

St Peter's School; Cambridge; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

St Peter's School in Cambridge, New Zealand, invites applications for an Equestrian Coach to join our on-site team. You will deliver structured group lessons across all levels at the St Peter’s Equestrian Centre, with a focus on rider development and horse welfare.

This part-time role (20 hours per week during term time) requires recognised coaching credentials, a current First Aid certificate, and the ability to work safely in an outdoor facility.

Qualifications

• Recognised coaching credentials or equivalent equestrian knowledge and proven experience coaching group lessons.
• Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience handling, managing and feeding out horses safely within a busy facility environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with young riders and communicate with parents/caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging group lessons tailored to various skill levels and disciplines.
• Safely set up arena equipment prior to lessons and maintain equipment daily.
• Assist riders with horse preparation and maintain welfare standards during sessions.
• Attend team meetings and assist with after-hours event preparation and on-site support as required.
• Flexibility to offer programme and facility support and booking setup as required.
• Maintain supervision to ensure rider and equine safety and report hazards or incidents.

Skills

Coaching credentials

Equestrian knowledge

Group lessons

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Punctuality

Work ethic

Education

First Aid Certificate

Job description

St Peter's School – Cambridge, North Island

St Peter’s is a leading independent boarding school nestled in the heart of Cambridge, New Zealand. With a rich history of ninety years, we are committed to providing a world-class education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development. Our vibrant community of students, educators, and families embodies our values of integrity, respect and excellence.

The St. Peter’s Equestrian Centre is a premier facility embedded right on our expansive campus. Designed to support student riders across disciplines such as dressage, showjumping and eventing, the centre features outdoor riding arenas, comprehensive infrastructure, and 36 grazing paddocks in the heart of the Waikato equine region.

We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and highly organised Equestrian Coach to join our equestrian team.

The Equestrian Coach will deliver high quality, structured, on site group lessons to students across all learning levels from entry level through to advanced riders. Our equestrian programme iscoach-led and supported by a strong pastoral care model. The primary focus of this role is rider skill development, horse welfare during lessons, safe arena setup and fostering a supportive, encouraging learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging group lessons tailored to various skill levels and disciplines. Align instruction with our framework and pastoral care principles while tracking student progress and working with our coaching team.
• Safely set up arena equipment (courses, poles, jumps, dressage markers) prior to lessons, and pack down/maintain equipment daily.
• Assist riders with horse preparation prior to lessons, maintain horse welfare standards during sessions, and nurture rider confidence and horsemanship.
• Attend team meetings and assist if possible with after-hours weekday and weekend event preparation, setup, and on-site student support as required.
• Flexibility to offer programme and facility support and booking set up as required.
• Maintain strict supervision to ensure rider and equine safety, adhere to WorkSafe standards, and promptly report any hazards or incidents.

What You Bring

• Recognised coaching credentials or equivalent equestrian knowledge and proven experience coaching group lessons, and a current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Practical experience handling, managing and feeding out horses safely within a busy facility environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with young riders, communicate effectively with parents/caregivers, and align with a supportive pastoral care model.
• Exceptional time management, punctuality for lesson schedules, a strong work ethic, and physical capability for equipment setup and outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Hours: 20 hours per week during term time only.

Location: Required to be at the Equestrian Centre on-campus Monday to Friday, with flexibility to occasionally support after-hours weekday and weekend off-campus events.

Commencement: Position to commence as soon as possible.

We offer a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, vibrant campus environment.

St Peter's, Cambridge is a child safe school.