Overview
Head Riding Instructor Jobs in West Hempstead, NY at New York Equestrian Center
Position Overview
The New York Equestrian Center is seeking a certified, experienced, and energetic Head Riding Instructor to lead our lesson program and inspire riders of all ages and abilities. This is a leadership role responsible for program quality, instructor development, student progression, and the client experience on horseback. NYEC serves a broad community — from young beginners to competitive adult riders — and our Head Instructor is the face of that program.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Reports To Facility Owner / Director
Compensation $55,000 – $70,000 annually (+ per-lesson bonus structure negotiable)
Benefits: Health benefits, continuing education support, horse board negotiable
Schedule: Must include weekends; peak hours evenings and weekends
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum
- Deliver private, semi-private, and group lessons for all age groups and ability levels (beginnerthrough advanced/competitive)
- Design and implement structured lesson plans and student progression curriculum
- Conduct regular student skill assessments and communicate progress to families
- Teach summer camp, after-school programs, and holiday sessions as scheduled
- Oversee the therapeutic riding program; PATH-Intl certification strongly preferred
Staff & Program Leadership
- Hire, supervise, schedule, and mentor all junior riding instructors and lesson staff
- Establish and enforce safety standards for all mounted and unmounted activities
- Lead staff training and professional development; document staff competencies
- Coordinate with the Barn Manager on horse scheduling, suitability for lessons, and horse health
Client Relations & Business Development
- Serve as the primary point of contact for lesson clients, parents, and program inquiries
- Manage lesson bookings, scheduling, and client retention
- Represent NYEC at local and regional horse shows; escort students to competitions
- Support student recruitment efforts and community outreach programs
- Identify opportunities to grow the lesson program, including clinics and special events
Qualifications
Required
- CHA certification or equivalent (ARIA, USDF, USEA)
- Minimum 3–5 years teaching experience (all ages and levels)
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Experience supervising and developing junior instructors
- Excellent communication skills with children, adults, and families
- Proficiency with scheduling/booking systems (Google Suite or similar)
Preferred
- PATH-Intl certification (therapeutic riding)
- Existing client base or established student following
- Competitive show record or
USEF/USHJA experience
- Experience with summer camp and youth programming
- Bilingual English/Spanish
- Background in equine management or stable operations
Pay: $55,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Title: Head Riding Instructor
Company: New York Equestrian Center
Location: West Hempstead, NY
