Horseback Riding Instructor — Part-Time, Growth Opportunity
McKinley Farms Riding Club | Livermore, CA
Overview
McKinley Farms Riding Club is looking for a Horseback Riding Instructor to join our farm family and help riders of all ages build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of horses. This position starts part-time with a clear path to a larger role as you grow with us — ideal for an instructor who wants to build something long-term rather than just pick up hours.
You'll lead lessons across our full program lineup — from our youngest Pony Pal and Equine Explorer riders just meeting horses for the first time, up through our Silver, Gold, and Platinum riders working toward more advanced riding, leasing, and show opportunities. Above all, safety, positivity, and a growth mindset guide every lesson we teach.
Schedule
Lessons run every day except Mondays and Fridays. We'll work with you to build a part-time schedule within those days, with room to expand your hours and responsibilities as your role grows.
Responsibilities
- Conduct riding lessons tailored to individual skill levels, from first-time toddlers in Pony Pals through advanced Platinum-level riders
- Follow and enforce safety procedures, including proper equipment use and horse handling
- Monitor horse and rider well-being throughout lessons, managing behavior issues as they arise
- Track and communicate rider progress in line with our Learning Levels curriculum
- Help maintain horses, tack, and facilities in a clean, safe condition
- Incorporate discipline-specific instruction (e.g., jumping, dressage) as riders advance
- Collaborate with our program leadership and team to coordinate schedules, events, and clinics
- Contribute to a warm, encouraging "farm family" atmosphere for riders and their families
Requirements
- Experience teaching or coaching children and/or adults in a physical or sports-based setting
- Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate learners at different levels
- Current (or willingness to obtain) First Aid, CPR, and AED certification
- Comfort with behavior management techniques suited to young or beginner riders
- Leadership experience through coaching, teaching, or team roles is a plus
- Background in another sport or physical discipline (gymnastics, martial arts, dance, team sports, etc.) is a plus, but not required
- Horse experience is preferred but not required — we're glad to train the right person who brings strong instructional skills and a willingness to learn
Why McKinley Farms
This is a paid position with genuine room to grow — for the right person, this part-time start can become a bigger role on our team over time. You'll be joining a program built around safety, individualized progress, and a close-knit community, not just riding time.
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
