Riding Instructor

Menlo Circus Club; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA is seeking a Riding Instructor to teach horsemanship and safety to riders of all ages under the Lead Instructor. You will work with school horses, share riding techniques, and help students bond with their horse while maintaining safety standards.

The role requires the ability to work indoors and outdoors, stand for long periods, and lift up to 50 pounds. Weekend shifts are required, and experience with children is preferred.

Qualifications

• Three years teaching horsemanship to beginners and intermediates, including children.
• Experience in equestrian competitive events preferred.
• Riding Instructor/Coaching certification preferred.
• First-aid certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach beginner to intermediate riders in English style, with constructive feedback.
• Schedule lessons, handle inquiries, update clients.
• Set jump courses to fit student levels.
• Promote safety, kind horse handling, and teamwork.
• Report accidents to Lead Instructor or Equestrian Operations Manager.
• Plan camps and events, track lessons and charges.
• Maintain tack and tack-room cleanliness.
• Ride and train school horses as needed.
• Care for school horses, including grooming and veterinary/farrier support.

Skills

Horsemanship

English riding

Communication

Patience with kids

Equine first aid

Job description

Job Description

The Riding Instructor teaches horsemanship and safety skills to all ages under the direction of the Lead Riding Instructor. Riding Instructors work with the horse and rider to help them bond as a pair. Duties include sharing techniques and teaching riders how to communicate with their horse, as well as providing care to school horses. The position requires working inside and outside and may involve prolonged exposure to dust, hay, mold, rain, sunlight, wind, and cold.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach beginner through intermediate riders in the English style discipline, giving constructive feedback.
• Schedule lessons, handle riding school inquiries, and keep clients informed.
• Set jump courses as needed to accommodate individual students.
• Promote a culture of safety, kind handling of horses, and teamwork. Adhere to and model USEF Safe Sport rules.
• Report any accidents or injuries to the Lead Riding Instructor or Equestrian Operations Manager.
• Plan, organize, and execute camps, barn parties, and other equestrian events. Track lessons and charges using the POS system.
• Ensure tack is kept clean and keep the tack room orderly.
• Ride and train school horses as needed.
• Care for the well‑being of school horses, including grooming, exercising, and assisting during veterinary and farrier appointments.

Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent horsemanship and English riding skills.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Patience and kindness while working with children.
• Proficient in Equine first‑aid.

Education / Experience

• Minimum 3 years teaching beginner through intermediate horsemanship and riding skills, including children.
• Experience participating in equestrian competitive events preferred.
• Riding Instructor/Coaching certification preferred.
• Computer literacy preferred.
• First‑aid certification a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to be on feet for up to 85% of the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds, and to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and turn for prolonged periods.

Weekend work required.

Must have unrestricted ability to work in the United States.