GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide instruction of riding theory and application for groups and individuals dealing with progressive skill building in all levels of riders, primarily in the arena.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Provide foundational riding instruction to beginners, with a strong emphasis on safety and group control.
• Demonstrate ground handling, mounting, correct position and control at walk-trot.
• Provide instruction necessary to improve all aspects of beginner skill, and progressing through canter/lope, including diagonals and leads, balance of horse and rider, pre-jumping exercising and western patterns.
• Coach students in improving form, style and understanding of the natural aids, including basic jumping, turn backs to the rail, transitions, school figures and leads with a greater emphasis on horsemanship theory and horse care.
• Provide instruction to improve the performance of advanced riders, including jumping courses, dressage, reining, and other performance events, advanced horse management and horsemanship theory.
• Instruct entire group while all walking at once and independently at jog/trot and at canter/lope.
• Provide instruction and support alongside the Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have equine handling and riding experience.
• Must provide evidence proven instructor experience of over 100 hours for any Western or English discipline. Evidence includes video of student(s) riding ability, video of instructor riding ability and teaching sessions. Plus, a letter of recommendation from a recognized local instructor known in the local equine community.
• Maintain or obtain within one (1) year a PATH International Registered Instructor certification.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

· Horsemanship theory and skills.

· Horsemanship safety.

· Equine anatomy and physiology.

· Legal and ethical requirements related to duty of care, liability, and professional conduct.

Skill in:

· Teaching riding, driving, or vaulting, instructing students and staff in procedures.

· Positive and effective communication with others both verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

· Mitigate safety concerns; be calm and objective in emergency situations.

· Safely and independently catch, halter, lead, tie and groom horses.

· Ride at the walk, trot/job and canter/lop in the arena or open area with correct diagonals and leads and with control.

· Prevent if possible and manage if needed equine lameness, sickness and disease.

· Demonstrate and mandate kind, caring, and humane attitudes and treatment of horses at all times.

· Assess the suitability, condition, fit, and adjustment of all tack and equipment used in programs.

· Teach horsemanship theory and application and be able to manage students and horses in a group environment.

· Design, implement, and evaluate instruction techniques for effectiveness and to strengthen the performance of both horse and rider.

· Demonstrate and encourage professional behavior, setting a good example at all times.

· Implement management practices related to feeding, health care and use of horses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of this job.

This position has a variety of physical requirements based on differing work circumstances. Required physical activities include but are not limited to digital dexterity, running, maneuvering quickly on foot, walking, standing, sitting, talking, hearing and seeing, twisting, balancing, climbing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, lift and carry up to 70 pounds, dragging, pushing/pulling. The ability to apply physical strength in the apprehension, control and containment of animals is required.