Horseback Riding Instructor

Equestrian Riding Instructor – Traditional & Adaptive Riding

Wheatland Equestrian, Belle Grey Farm, Upperville, Virginia

Part-Time and Full-Time Opportunities

Join Our Team at Wheatland Equestrian!

Wheatland Equestrian is seeking enthusiastic, experienced, and compassionate Riding Instructors to join our growing equestrian program at beautiful Belle Grey Farm in Upperville, Virginia.

Established in 1999, Wheatland Equestrian is a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering therapeutic riding, traditional riding instruction, and para dressage training for children and adults of all abilities.

Our mission is to provide exceptional equestrian instruction in a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment where every rider has the opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and riding skills.

We welcome applications from experienced traditional riding instructors, dressage instructors, and equestrian professionals who are passionate about teaching. Previous therapeutic riding experience or certification is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who would welcome the opportunity to expand their professional qualifications through training and credentialing in adaptive riding and para dressage instruction.

About the Position

Our Riding Instructors provide safe, engaging, and professionally structured riding lessons tailored to the individual abilities, experience, and goals of each student.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent horsemanship, strong teaching and communication skills, patience, creativity, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping riders succeed.

Instructors work collaboratively with our established teaching team, barn staff, and volunteers to deliver an exceptional riding experience for every student.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional riding instruction to children and adults at varying levels of experience and ability.
• Teach private, semi-private, and group riding lessons in traditional and/or adaptive riding programs, according to qualifications.
• Develop structured, progressive lesson plans appropriate to each rider's goals, abilities, and learning style.
• Teach correct riding fundamentals, including position, balance, effective aids, horse control, and safe horsemanship.
• Promote rider confidence, independence, and progressive skill development.
• Adapt teaching methods and activities to accommodate individual learning needs.
• Maintain the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and equine welfare.
• Work collaboratively with barn staff to select appropriate horses, tack, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively and positively with students, families, volunteers, and fellow instructors.
• Monitor student progress and maintain appropriate lesson records.
• Participate in instructor development, training, and certification opportunities as appropriate.
• Support student demonstrations, horse shows, clinics, and special events as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

We are seeking confident, knowledgeable horsepeople who enjoy teaching and are committed to providing excellent equestrian instruction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience teaching riding lessons to children and/or adults.
• Strong practical horsemanship and horse-handling skills.
• Solid understanding of riding fundamentals, equine behavior, and safe instructional practices.
• Experience in dressage, hunt seat, or another established English riding discipline.
• Ability to develop effective lesson plans and adapt instruction to different skill levels.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, creativity, enthusiasm, and a positive teaching approach.
• Dependability, professionalism, and a collaborative attitude.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

Instructor certifications through recognized equestrian organizations are welcome but not mandatory for initial consideration.

Candidates with substantial riding and horsemanship experience who demonstrate strong teaching potential are also encouraged to apply.

Professional Development and Certification Opportunities

Wheatland Equestrian has a distinguished history of excellence in para dressage, having been recognized as a USEF Para Dressage Center of Excellence from 2017 through 2025 and selected to host the 2026 USEF Para Dressage Academy.

We are committed to developing knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate instructors.

For candidates interested in expanding their qualifications, opportunities may include:

• Training and professional development in adaptive riding instruction.
• Guidance toward recognized therapeutic/adaptive riding instructor credentials.
• Opportunities to develop specialized knowledge in para dressage.
• Mentorship and collaboration with experienced equestrian professionals.
• Continuing education through clinics, workshops, and instructor training opportunities.

Candidates do not need to arrive with therapeutic riding credentials. Appropriate training, supervision, and credentialing pathways can be developed based on individual experience, qualifications, and program needs. We offer training to become a certified USEF Para Dressage instructor, and continuing education programming for PATH International CTRI instructors.

What We Offer

• A beautiful 123-acre equestrian facility in the heart of Virginia horse country.
• Excellent indoor and outdoor riding facilities.
• A welcoming, supportive, and family-oriented working environment.
• An established herd of well-trained lesson horses.
• Opportunities to teach a diverse range of riders and abilities.
• Professional mentorship and continuing education opportunities.
• Potential for career advancement and increased teaching responsibilities.
• Flexible part-time and full-time opportunities as our program continues to grow.
• The personal satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

Position Details

Location: Belle Grey Farm, 21440 Belle Grey Lane, Upperville, VA 20184

Employment Type: Part-time or full-time opportunities

Schedule: Weekday and Saturday teaching opportunities, with schedules determined by program needs and instructor availability.

Compensation: Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and certifications beginning at $30 per hour.

Apply to Join Our Team!

If you are an enthusiastic equestrian professional who loves horses, enjoys teaching, and would welcome the opportunity to be part of a growing and meaningful equestrian program, we would love to hear from you!

Whether you are an experienced traditional riding instructor or already hold credentials in adaptive riding, we encourage you to apply.

Join Wheatland Equestrian and help us continue building a community where exceptional horsemanship, compassionate instruction, and inclusion come together.

www.wheatlandequestrian.org

About Wheatland Equestrian

Established in 1999, Wheatland Equestrian is a respected and growing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional equestrian opportunities for children and adults of all abilities. Located at beautiful Belle Grey Farm in Upperville, Virginia, our family-centered mission combines excellence in horsemanship with a commitment to inclusion, compassion, and the transformative partnership between horses and people.

Recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as a Para Dressage Center of Excellence from 2017 through 2025, Wheatland has a distinguished history of developing riders from their first experiences in the saddle through national and international para dressage competition. In 2026, Wheatland was selected to host the USEF Para Dressage Academy, further reflecting our commitment to developing athletes and advancing the sport. We also develop community riders in the disciplines of dressage, as well as providing full time training board for foxhunters, hunter/jumpers and event riders.

Our programs include therapeutic riding, inclusive traditional riding instruction, para dressage training, competitive dressage, and educational opportunities for riders, instructors, and volunteers. We proudly serve individuals with disabilities alongside their able-bodied peers, creating a welcoming equestrian community where every rider is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Our magnificent 123-acre facility at Belle Grey Farm features beautifully appointed barns, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, extensive turnout, and exceptional training amenities in the heart of Virginia's renowned horse country.

At Wheatland Equestrian, our instructors are more than riding teachers. They are mentors, advocates, and valued members of a dedicated team making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.

We welcome passionate, professional, and enthusiastic instructors who share our commitment to outstanding horsemanship, exceptional horse care, and inclusive equestrian education.
Learn more at www.wheatlandequestrian.org