Equestrian Program Lead Instructor

National Ability Center; Park City (UT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

HSA with Employer Contribution

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability

Life Insurance

Voluntary Accident Plans

PTO annually

Paid Holidays and Personal Days

403(b) Plan with Employer Match

Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Pro deals with gear companies

Job summary

National Ability Center is seeking a Lead Instructor for the Equestrian Program in Park City, UT. The role leads adaptive riding lessons, supports instructors and volunteers, and upholds program standards and safety across facilities and horses.

You will mentor staff, coordinate lesson plans, and ensure high-quality instructional experiences while supporting NAC’s mission and safety practices. This is a full-time, on-site position with weekend and after-hours requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in an equestrian program and horsemanship skills.
• 1+ year supervisory experience required.
• Ability to ride and school diverse horses; proficiency in multiple gaits.
• Experience in therapeutic recreation or work with people with disabilities.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead adaptive riding lessons with safety and inclusivity for participants of varying abilities.
• Develop and modify lesson plans based on participant goals and abilities.
• Select horses, tack, and equipment with the Equine team for each participant.
• Provide mounted and unmounted instruction and lead lessons independently as needed.
• Mentor instructors and volunteers; support onboarding and training.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Equine Science / Therapeutic Recreation / Sports Management)

PATH or CHA certification (preferred)

Job description

Description

Position Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Supervisor: Equestrian Senior Manager

Department: Equestrian Department

Location: Park City, Utah (on-site)

Join Our Team:

At the National Ability Center (NAC), the quality of every lesson depends on the people who teach it. We are looking for an accomplished equestrian professional who is ready to lead by example and help our instructors and volunteers do their best work. In this role, you will set the standard for how adaptive riding is taught, mentor a team that is passionate about what happens in the arena, and make sure every rider is met with skill, patience, and possibility. If you are a confident instructor who is just as energized by developing others as by teaching, and you want a leadership role with real purpose, we would love to meet you.

Job Summary:

The Lead Instructor provides leadership and instructional support within the National Ability Center’s Equestrian Program. This position teaches high-quality adaptive riding and equine-assisted lessons while serving as a mentor and resource to instructors and volunteers. The Lead Instructor helps maintain consistent program standards and supports the safe and effective use of horses, equipment, and facilities. Working closely with the Equestrian program leadership, this role ensures lessons are well organized, participants receive individualized instruction, and programming aligns with NAC’s mission, safety standards, and best practices in adaptive horsemanship. This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt position with benefits. It is based on-site in Park City, Utah and requires regular weekend and after hours work to support programming (programming generally runs Tuesdays through Saturdays). It is not eligible for remote work.

Essential Duties:

• Teach safe, inclusive, and effective adaptive riding lessons for participants with a variety of abilities and needs.
• Develop and modify lesson plans based on individual participant goals, abilities, diagnoses, and riding skills.
• In conjunction with the Equine team, select appropriate horses, tack, adaptive equipment, and lesson activities for each participant.
• Provide instruction in mounted and unmounted equestrian activities as appropriate.
• Lead lessons independently and provide support during lessons requiring additional instructors, leaders, or side walkers.
• Evaluate participant progress and provide appropriate feedback to participants and families.
• Maintain a positive, encouraging, and participant-centered learning environment.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for instructors and volunteers.
• Assist with onboarding and training new instructors and instructional staff.
• Provide coaching and feedback to instructors to promote consistency and continued professional development.
• Help establish and maintain consistent lesson standards, instructional practices, and safety procedures.
• Assist with instructor observations, skill development, and training as requested.
• Step into instructional coverage when staffing needs arise.
• Provide continued education to assist in the development of staff to ensure continued quality of programming and engagement of staff.
• Assist with daily care of horses, barn chores, and riding assignments as needed.
• Contribute to outreach efforts in fund raising, staff and volunteer events.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• 3+ years of experience in an equestrian program, riding experience and horsemanship skills.
• 1+ years of supervisory experience in related fields.
• Ability to ride and school a wide variety of horses (i.e. English, Western, etc.); riding skill proficiency demonstration at a minimum: walk, trot/jog & canter/lope on a variety of horses and disciplines.
• Experience in therapeutic recreation or experience working with people with various disabilities, and open to ongoing learning opportunities that support adaptive thinking and educational growth.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PATH or CHA certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Experience in adaptive riding instruction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership experience to be able to lead by example, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and to mentor the Equestrian Instructors at varying levels of proficiency and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced equestrian environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently, showing creativity, communication skill and innovation.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and personality to engage with the participants, families, visitors, co-workers, and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and collaboratively within multiple departments.
• Commitment to a positive, fun and team-oriented working environment.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 75 lbs. while working around the barn and with the horses.
• Ability to stand for up to 6 hours, walk, and run on uneven surfaces for 2 or more consecutive hours including stooping, bending, and crouching with repetitive hand motions while providing riding instruction or facilitating other equestrian programming.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors while interacting with the horses in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work weekends and after-hours to support programming; occasional support required for special fundraising events.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance with Health Savings Account
• Employer Contribution to HSA
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Accident and Hospital Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO) annually
• 11 Paid Holidays + 2 Paid Personal Days Annually (including a paid day off on your birthday)
• 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Pro Deals with gear companies