Riding Holiday Leader

Typical Salary

£13,500 To £23,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How To Become a Riding Holiday Leader

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
volunteering
specialist courses run by professional bodies

College / University

There's no set entry route but you may find it useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Subjects include:

Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care
Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships that you could work up to this role from include:

Level 2 Equine groom
Level 3 Senior equine groom

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a stablehand or groom and with further training and experience, work your way up to become a riding holiday leader.

Other Routes

You could take a ride leader course, like those offered by The British Horse Society.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

leadership skills
the ability to work on your own
knowledge of public safety and security
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
sensitivity and understanding
excellent verbal communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

assess riders' abilities
make sure riders are wearing the correct clothing
explain safety procedures and basic riding techniques, like mounting, dismounting and stopping
take riders out on treks
organise yard staff
supervise assistants and other junior staff
train assistant ride leaders

Working Environment

You could work at a riding stable.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

You could move into a management position, like a riding holiday centre manager.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can be a good way to get started.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a riding holiday leader from The British Horse Society.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 16 years of age
have a first aid certificate
pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults