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
You would work with people of different ages, abilities and experience levels, and teach them how to ride horses.
You’d patiently encourage and motivate your pupils. You’d share your own good riding practice with your students.
You would:
Teach people who want to ride for fun
Help individual riders or teams to prepare for competitions like show jumping, eventing or dressage
Help horses and riders to warm up and cool down during training
Develop training programmes suited to individual riders
Give practical demonstrations
Observe riders in order to spot and help correct problems
Give feedback and keep records of rider development
Assess riders who are working towards qualifications
You’d make sure that health and safety rules are followed. You’d need first aid skills just in case there is an accident.
You might also teach assistant coaches and supervise work in the stable. In some jobs you could combine coaching with working as a groom.
Hours
Your working hours could be long and irregular, including weekends and evenings. Part-time work may be possible. Some work may be seasonal.
Environment
You would usually work outdoors, in all weather conditions, although larger riding schools may also have indoor facilities.
Travel
Your work may involve travelling with riders to competitions, which at the highest levels may be abroad. If you are freelance, you will need to travel between riding schools. In some jobs you may have to live in at the riding school.
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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
You do not need formal qualifications to enter this job but usually require British Horse Society (BHS) coaching qualifications or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) teaching qualifications to give lessons. You can get these while you are in work.
You can take the BHS Stage 1 exam from 14 years old and Stage 2 from when you are 16 years old. To do Stage 3 you must be at least 17 years old and have completed the Stage 1 and Stage 2 examinations. To undertake the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test certificate you must be at least 18 years old and have passed Stage 2. You can then go on to take other BHS qualifications.
The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) offers an Initial Teaching Award and Teaching Certificate. Check with the ABRS for more information.
Alternatively, you could do an Equine Modern Apprenticeship.
If you choose to study an National Certificate in Horse Care, entry varies from no formal qualifications to three subjects at National 5.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Equine Studies requires two Highers at CC and practical work experience or BHS Stage 2 qualifications.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate work with horses/animals and the ability to train or teach others, such as:
National Progression Award in Horse Care (SCQF level 4/6)
National Certificate in Horse Care (SCQF level 5)
Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Animal Care (SVQ 2/3)
Once you have gained suitable coaching or teaching qualifications it is helpful to join the BHS Register of Coaches.
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.
For some jobs you may need:
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
A driving licence
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