Horseback Riding Instructor - Summer Camp

Sowela; Nevada; On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on-site

Meals provided

Paid training

Perks and benefits

Job summary

Camp Augusta seeks a friendly, safety‑minded Riding Instructor to lead and evolve our equestrian program. You will care for a small herd, design engaging activities, and ensure camper safety while delivering memorable experiences. This role offers housing and a supportive creative team.

The position emphasizes teaching youth, coordinating with camp activities, and building a collaborative community around horses and outdoor learning.

Qualifications

• Strong equestrian knowledge and care for horses.
• Experience teaching beginner/intermediate riders (4+ students).
• Ability to assess rider skill levels and match them to horses.

Responsibilities

• Oversee herd health and safety for 9–10 horses.
• Lead development and execution of equestrian programming.
• Match riders to horses and activities for safe, enjoyable experiences.
• Maintain supplies for horse care and activities.
• Lead trail rides and collaborate with camp staff.

Skills

Equestrian knowledge

Teaching

Safety management

Youth mentorship

Job description

Horseback Riding Instructor at Camp Augusta

Location: Nevada City, California (onsite housing provided)
Position Type: Extended hours, seasonal
Compensation: $9,000 for May 18th-August 14th [required dates]
Paid work available April 1st-September 20th.
Benefits: Organic fresh meals, housing, utilities, paid training, and numerous 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 additional Horseback Riding Instructor to help lead our dynamic equestrian program, ensuring both horse care and camper safety while delivering enriching and memorable experiences for our campers. We are looking for someone ready and willing to learn about the Equestrian Program with the intention of returning the following summer as an Equestrian Director, with a higher pay rate and more responsibilities.

About the Role

As a Riding Instructor 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 co‑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.1

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 20 years old by May 12th, 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.
• Experienced in caring for a small herd, including feeding, mucking, and basic first aid.
• Experienced teaching beginner/intermediate group lessons (4+ students).

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, with meals made from fresh, locally-sourced organic ingredients.
• Salary & Perks: Take-home salary of $9,000 plus additional perks and benefits, including ongoing training and professional development. Salary applies to required May 12th-August 8th dates. Paid work is available April 1st-September 20th. Read more about perks: https://campaugusta.org/staff/benefits-and-perks/
• Supportive Community: Work alongside a close-knit, diverse group of 75 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. https://campaugusta.org/vision

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: https://campaugusta.org/diversity/