Horse riding coach
Teach people of all ages and abilities how to ride horses for enjoyment and for competitions.
Also known as: horse riding instructor
About the job
What it's like
As a horse riding coach you'll teach people of different ages, abilities and experience levels to ride horses.
You’ll patiently encourage and motivate your pupils, to build their confidence and abilities. They may be a little nervous at first so you'll show them the best ways to approach and work with horses.
Horse riding coaches have a keen interest and knowledge in equine anatomy and behaviour. You'll need to be able to assess horses' temperament and abilities, so you can match them with riders.
Your tasks might include:
demonstrating the correct way to mount, dismount and ride a horse
helping riders or teams to prepare for competitions such as show-jumping, eventing or dressage
helping horses and riders to warm up and cool down during training
developing training programmes for individual riders
observing riders, spotting and correcting problems and keeping records of rider development
assessing riders who are working towards qualifications
You’ll make sure that health and safety rules are strictly followed. You’ll need first aid skills in case there is an accident.
You might also teach assistant coaches and supervise work in the stable. You'll likely tack up and untack the horses – putting on and taking off their equipment, such as saddles and bridles. In some jobs you could combine coaching with working as a groom.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The British Horse Society (BHS) – find riding clubs, competitions and training from the largest equestrian charity in the UK
The Association of British Riding Schools – discover information on training courses, apprenticeships and more from the UK’s organisation that supports proprietors of equestrian premises
The Pony Club – browse information on pony clubs, learning to ride and different types of equestrian sports
Riding for the Disabled Association – learn how to become a volunteer or riding coach with this national charity that supports disabled people to enjoy horse riding
Lantra Scotland – browse equine training courses and information
British Equestrian – read about the pathways to becoming a coach
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Animals, land, water and environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
English and Communication
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
There are three main pathways you can choose from to become a qualified equestrian coach:
College
Qualifications that demonstrate work with horses and other animals, and the ability to teach people, can be useful. These could include:
Horse Care
Racehorse Care and Management
Animal Care
Once you've gained suitable coaching or teaching qualifications it's helpful to join the BHS Register of Coaches.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an Equine Modern Apprenticeship to develop a range of skills such as horse welfare, yard instruction and racing organisation.
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
You may also apply for an Equestrian Passport which shows the holder's qualifications and is recognised and accepted in countries that are members of the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications.
If you're likely to work with children or other vulnerable groups, you'll need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
It's useful to have a valid driving licence as stables and competition sites are usually rural.
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