Riding instructors need strong riding skills, a love of horses, and good communication and teaching skills. A college degree in equine studies can be helpful, and professional certification may or may not be required depending on the country. Instructors can work at riding schools, show barns, or be self-employed and may also do other horse-related work.
Strong riding and riding skills are required to become a riding instructor. A love of horses is also important, as working with them can involve long hours of hands-on work in all types of weather. Many people who become instructors ride horses and ride for a large part of their lives and fall into teaching naturally. Other people actively seek knowledge about riding and horses. They can enter the field as students or apprentices who work and learn through on-the-job training.
Generally, college education is not required to become a riding instructor, but it can fill gaps in knowledge. Combined with the necessary horse riding experience, a degree can also make a person who wants to become a riding instructor more attractive to employers. Degrees in equine studies, with a focus on riding and riding instruction, are available at many colleges and universities. Marketing and business classes can also be helpful, especially if you are looking to self-employ as a riding instructor.
Professional teaching certification may or may not be required to become a riding instructor, depending on the country. In some countries it can be difficult to find employment as a riding instructor without professional certification. In other countries, certification can be an advantage, helping to improve marketing efforts, for example, but it is not required.
Good communication, people skills and teaching skills are important when wanting to become a riding instructor. Having patience will be beneficial when working with horses, beginner riders and even riders of all skill levels. Horseback sports can be dangerous, so a strong safety mindset is important when looking to become a riding instructor.
Riding instructors work at riding schools and show barns, guest farms, children’s summer camps and other places. Some riding instructors are employees of a specific facility. Others are self-employed and may travel from stable to stable to teach. Instructors can teach different riding styles or focus on one style. Riding styles include dressage, riding in the hunter’s seat, western reining, and others.
Riding instructors often do other horse-related work in addition to teaching. This could be at the employer’s request or, for independent riding instructors, it could be a necessity to survive. Some of the other jobs that a riding instructor can do include training and exercising horses, managing the stable, and looking after the animals. They can also show horses in competitions for their customers and buy and sell horses. Overall, a comprehensive knowledge of horses and riding is important to becoming a successful riding instructor.
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