Riding Instructor/Trail Guide

Salamander Middleburg is seeking an experienced Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor to join our Equestrian team at our luxury resort in Middleburg, Virginia. This full-time position is ideal for an experienced equestrian professional who enjoys horse care, riding instruction, trail riding, stable operations, and guest service.

About the Role

The Equestrian Attendant / Riding Instructor is responsible for the daily care and well-being of our resort horses while creating safe, memorable riding experiences for resort guests of varying ages and experience levels.

Responsibilities

• Horse Care & Stable Operations
  • Provide daily care for resort horses, including grooming, bathing, feeding, watering, and exercising horses.
  • Clean stalls and perform routine barn and stable duties.
  • Clean, maintain, and properly store tack and riding equipment.
  • Monitor horses for signs of illness, injury, or changes in behavior and provide basic first aid when appropriate.
  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized equestrian facilities.
  • Assist with general barn, stable, and facility upkeep.
• Riding Instruction & Trail Rides
  • Provide horseback riding lessons for beginner through intermediate riders.
  • Teach guests of varying ages and riding abilities using safe and appropriate riding techniques.
  • Lead private and group guided trail rides throughout the resort property.
  • Evaluate riders and appropriately match guests with horses based on ability and experience.
  • Provide exceptional guest service while maintaining a strong focus on rider and horse safety.
• Children's Equestrian Programs
  • Facilitate pony rides and children's equestrian activities.
  • Provide a welcoming, educational, and safe experience for young riders and their families.
• Safety & Equipment
  • Follow established equestrian and horse-handling safety procedures.
  • Maintain safe practices around horses, guests, equipment, and stable facilities.
  • Safely operate a small Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum 5 years of professional horse care and riding experience.
• Experience providing horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders.
• Strong knowledge of horse handling, grooming, stable care, tack, and riding safety.
• Previous customer service or guest-facing experience.
• Knowledge of classical riding and high-quality horsemanship standards preferred; willingness to learn required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, children, and team members.
• Dependable and comfortable working in an active, outdoor environment.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active position that requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands frequently.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Safely lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Perform routine horse care and stable duties throughout the workday.

Pay

• $18.00 per hour
• Full-time schedule of up to 40 hours per week
• Service charges and gratuities earned when teaching or facilitating eligible guest appointments
• Bi-weekly pay

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Company-Paid Holidays
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Complimentary Uniforms
• Employee Access Privileges & Discount Programs
• Friends & Family Discounts on room stays at Salamander properties
• Discounts on dining, retail, spa, and resort amenities