Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Company-Paid Holidays

Complimentary Employee Meals

Complimentary Uniforms

Employee Access Privileges & Discount

Friends & Family Discounts on Salamder

Discounts on dining, retail, spa

Job summary

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our luxury resort team in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time role focuses on horse care, riding instruction, trail rides, stable operations, and guest service.

You will care for resort horses daily, teach lessons for beginners to intermediates, lead guided trail rides, run pony programs for children, and uphold safety standards across facilities while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to horsemanship standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, children, and team members.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for resort horses including grooming, feeding, and exercising.
• Lead horseback riding lessons for beginner to intermediate riders.
• Lead private and group trail rides across the resort property.
• Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized equestrian facilities.
• Follow safety procedures and operate required equipment safely.
• Monitor horses for illness or injury and provide basic first aid.

Skills

Horse care

Riding instruction

Guest service

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Full-time Regular Middleburg, VA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1859

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

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

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.