Equestrian Riding and Horse Care Instructor - Certifications Included

Sowela; California; On-site; USD 6,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on-site

Meals provided

Certification support

Professional development

Job summary

Camp Augusta is seeking an Equestrian Director for the summer season in Northern California. You will oversee a small herd of horses, design engaging equestrian activities, and ensure rider safety while integrating horses into broader camp experiences.

Housing and meals are provided, with a compensation range based on experience. Ideal candidates have strong equestrian expertise, teaching ability, and a creative approach to camp programming, plus a passion for mentoring youth and collaborating

Qualifications

• 19 years or older by June 1, 2027.
• May 18–Aug 14, 2027 availability.
• 2–3 years riding English/Western; walk/trot flatwork.
• willingness to mentor youth and lead groups.
• ability to adapt and grow with the camp.

Responsibilities

• Manage herd health and safety for 9–10 horses.
• Develop and execute equestrian programming.
• Assess riders and pair with suitable horses.
• Maintain equipment and supplies for horse care.
• Lead safe, enjoyable trail rides with campers.
• Collaborate with the broader camp community.

Skills

Equestrian skills

Teaching & mentorship

Safety management

Creative programming

Education

GPA 3.0+

Job description

Equestrian Instructor at Camp Augusta

Location: Northern California (onsite housing provided)
Position Type: Full-time, seasonal (May 18th-August 14th)
Compensation: $6,000-12,000 (depending on experience) + food, housing, utilities, training, and perks!

Are you passionate about working with horses and youth in a fun, collaborative environment? Do you thrive on creativity and bringing new ideas to life, both with horses and within a camp community? Camp Augusta is looking for an Equestrian Director to lead our dynamic equestrian program, ensuring both horse care and camper safety while delivering enriching and memorable experiences for our campers.

About the Role:

As the Equestrian Director at Camp Augusta, you’ll play a vital role in the development and execution of our equestrian programming, overseeing the care of our herd of horses, and ensuring our riders’ safety and enjoyment. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong equestrian experience, teaching skills, and creativity, along with a willingness to adapt and grow with the camp.

In addition to leading our equestrian program, you’ll contribute to the broader camp community by engaging in other camp activities, creating magical moments, and collaborating with a passionate, creative team.

Read more about our EQ program: https://campaugusta.org/portfolio/wonderful_summer_camp_job_with_horses/

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Herd Health & Safety: Oversee the care of a small herd of 9-10 horses, including feeding, mucking, and ensuring their well-being throughout the summer.
• Program Development & Execution: Lead the development and implementation of creative equestrian programming, making sure to integrate horses into other camp activities when possible.
• Assess & Match Riders: Use your knowledge of horses’ temperaments and strengths to match each rider with the right horse and activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Equipment & Supplies: Maintain and order supplies for horse care and equestrian activities, including feed, medications, and gear.
• Lead Trail Rides: Learn and explore local trails in preparation for leading safe and enjoyable trail rides.
• Collaborate with the Camp Community: Engage with staff and campers across all aspects of camp, offering fun and memorable experiences beyond just equestrian activities.

About You:

• Equestrian Expertise: You have a solid understanding of horses and their care, and you can assess riders’ skill levels to ensure a high level of safety.
• Creativity & Flexibility: You’re open to new ideas and approaches, finding innovative ways to integrate horses into the broader camp experience.
• Safety First: You’re always aware of potential risks and manage them effectively, while still providing an exciting and engaging program for campers.
• Teaching & Mentorship: You love working with children and have a passion for teaching in a safe, intentional, and fun manner.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• 19 years or older by June 1st, 2027.
• Available for the full summer: May 18th to August 14th, 2027.
• 2-3 years of riding experience in English/Western arena work; comfort in walk/trot flatwork; looking to advance beyond your foundational riding skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A passion for horses and a strong background in equestrian skills.
• Experience in mentoring and working with diverse youth populations.
• A variety of interesting hobbies, passions, or life experiences to share with the camp community.
• A GPA of 3.0+ and enthusiasm for learning.

What We Offer:

• Certification Opportunity: Potential to receive CHA Certification (Certified Horsemanship Association), or equivalent certification, with the costs covered by Camp Augusta.
• Housing & Meals: Live on-site in a unique rustic accommodation (platform tent, cabin, or even a treehouse!), with meals made from fresh, locally-sourced organic ingredients.
• Salary & Perks: $9,000-$12,000 based on experience, plus additional perks and benefits, including ongoing training and professional development.
• Supportive Community: Work alongside a close-knit, diverse group of staff from around the world, fostering a positive, collaborative, and fun working environment.
• Professional Development: 300+ hours of training in topics such as child development, communication skills, and group facilitation, offering long-lasting benefits for your personal and professional life.

About Camp Augusta:

Camp Augusta is a nonprofit residential summer camp in Northern California, offering an enriching, creative, and growth-oriented environment for both campers and staff. With a focus on child development, excellent programming, and fostering a strong camp community, we aim to create an experience that’s transformative for everyone involved. Read more about our vision and see why Camp Augusta stands out as a unique summer job opportunity.

We aim to include and celebrate many facets of human identity – gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, and other aspects that make us unique. We are working to craft an inclusive culture founded on ideals of curiosity, honesty, empathy, and acceptance – a place where people are seen and acknowledged for their shared humanity as well as their unique individuality. Read our full Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (DEIB) Statement here.