Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Middleburg; Middleburg (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Company-Paid Holidays

Complimentary Employee Meals

Complimentary Uniforms

Employee Access Privileges & Discount

Friends & Family Discounts on roomStay

Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and_

Job summary

Salamander Middleburg in Middleburg, Virginia, is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor for a full-time role at our luxury resort. You will care for resort horses, teach riding to guests of all ages, and lead trail rides while delivering exceptional guest service.

This position requires at least 5 years of horse care and riding experience, a focus on safety, and strong horsemanship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.
• Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.
• Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.
• Teach horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.
• Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.
• Evaluate riders and match guests with horses based on ability and experience.
• Provide exceptional guest service with a focus on rider and horse safety.

Skills

Horse care

Riding instruction

Trail riding

Guest service

Stable operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Salamander Middleburg | Middleburg, VA

Full-Time | $18.00 per hour | Up to 40 hours per week + Service Charges & Gratuities

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our Equestrian team at our luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who enjoys horse care, riding instruction, trail riding, stable operations, and guest service.

The Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor is responsible for the daily care and well‑being of our resort horses while creating safe, memorable riding experiences for resort guests of varying ages and experience levels.

What You'll Do

Horse Care & Stable Operations

• Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.
• Clean stalls and perform routine barn and stable duties.
• Clean, maintain, and properly store tack and riding equipment.
• Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behavior and provide basic first aid when appropriate.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized equestrian facilities.
• Assist with general barn, stable, and facility upkeep.

Riding Instruction & Trail Rides

• Provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.
• Teach guests of varying ages and riding abilities using safe and appropriate riding techniques.
• Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.
• Evaluate riders and appropriately match guests with horses based on ability and experience.
• Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining a strong focus on rider and horse safety.

Children's Equestrian Programs

• Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.
• Provide a welcoming, educational, and safe experience for young riders and their families.

Safety & Equipment

• Follow established equestrian and horse-handling safety procedures.
• Maintain safe practices around horses, guests, equipment, and stable facilities.
• Safely operate a small Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.
• Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.
• Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.
• Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.
• Knowledge of classical riding and high-quality horsemanship standards preferred; willingness to learn required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, children, and team members.
• Dependable and comfortable working in an active, outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active position that requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands frequently.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Safely lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Perform routine horse care and stable duties throughout the workday.

Pay & Compensation

• $18.00 per hour
• Full-time schedule of up to 40 hours per week
• Service charges and gratuities earned when teaching or facilitating eligible guest appointments
• Bi-weekly pay

Benefits & Perks

Salamander Middleburg offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package for eligible team members, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Company-Paid Holidays
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Complimentary Uniforms
• Employee Access Privileges & Discount Programs
• Friends & Family Discounts on room stays at Salamander properties
• Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and resort amenities

Join the Salamander Middleburg Equestrian Team

If you are passionate about horses, horsemanship, riding instruction, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to apply to join the Equestrian team at Salamander Middleburg.

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.