Eventing Coach & Riding Instructor

Otterbein University; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefit

Paid vacation

Holidays

Job summary

Otterbein University seeks a Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach for its Equine Science program. You will teach riding, coach the eventing team, and support equine center operations while ensuring a safe environment.

This full-time exempt role requires extensive eventing experience, strong horsemanship, and a commitment to student safety. You'll work closely with faculty, staff, and students, contributing to recruitment and program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to animals.
• Extensive competitive eventing experience at the preliminary level and above required.
• Strong horsemanship skills with experience training both horses and riders in a variety of disciplines.
• ICP certifications and recognized show experience in other disciplines preferred.
• Knowledge of IHSA, IDA, and/or IEA beneficial.
• Commitment to equine care and student safety is essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach riding lessons to Otterbein University students and the public, delivering between 18 and 22 lessons per week during the academic year.
• Assist with student scheduling and barn orientation.
• Maintain accurate grade and attendance records.
• Assist in the maintenance of the school horse herd, including grooming, exercising, daily chores, and participation in the health care program.
• Support stable operations, including feeding, turnout, watering, and general care of horses.
• Assist in the rehabilitation of injured horses.
• Provide ongoing schooling of horses owned or leased by Otterbein University.
• Provide input on the suitability of horses being considered for donation.
• Ride Otterbein-owned horses under instruction in clinics and outside lessons when funding is available.
• Help maintain riding and grooming equipment.
• Support barn staff in the care of the facility and horses.
• Coach and oversee the Otterbein equestrian teams.
• Maintain a competition program in alignment with department-stated competition guidelines.
• Determine the eligibility and ability of students selected to represent the University in competition in accordance with association and departmental guidelines.
• Organize travel for riders and horses.
• Maintain a high visibility presence within local and national equestrian communities while competing at USEF competitions.
• Maintain active involvement with intercollegiate organizations.
• Assist with recruiting efforts.
• Support promotional programs such as tours and trade fairs.
• Assist with tours, academic interest days, and orientation events.
• Support the Equine Department faculty, Business Manager, and Barn Manager with essential duties.
• Assist the Business Manager and Barn Manager with on-call responsibilities, including horse care emergencies and staff shortages.

Skills

Verbal and written English comms

Math proficiency

Office procedures & equipment

Interpersonal skills

Independent work & judgment

Customer service & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal-related field

Competitive eventing experience (preliminary level+)

Horsemanship & training experience

ICP certifications (preferred)

IHSA/IDA/IEA knowledge (beneficial)

Commitment to equine care & student safety

Tools

USEF membership

Driver's license

Otterbein Driving certification

Horse hauling experience

Job description

Otterbein University seeks a Riding Instructor / Eventing Coach for its Equine Science program. You will teach riding, coach the eventing team, and support equine center operations while ensuring a safe environment.

This full-time exempt role requires extensive eventing experience, strong horsemanship, and a commitment to student safety. You'll work closely with faculty, staff, and students, contributing to recruitment and program success.