Seeking Riding Instructor

The Achieve Collective is a non-profit organization created with the purpose to provide inclusive recreational, therapeutic and clinical services to people with and without disabilities. Our programs and services are family focused. In addition to direct services, we aim to provide education and training to ensure a professional workforce.

The goal of our inclusive riding program is the development of equestrian and horsemanship skills. We adapt our instruction and equipment to suit each individual rider’s needs. We carefully match each new rider with the appropriate horse and instructor. We can accommodate beginner through experienced riders of a broad range of ages and abilities. Lessons include mounted and unmounted instruction. Our riders are involved in all aspects of preparing a horse for mounted activities, including retrieving the horse from the stall, grooming, and tacking.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare for lessons, ensuring that the horse is properly prepared, is in good health and capable of participating in the lesson, that the riding equipment is in good repair, and that the physical environment is safe, clean, and free of any hazards.

  • Instruct and lead lessons and horsemanship activities following MA licensed instructor standards and following a lesson plan that sequentially builds horsemanship and independent skills in all participants.

  • Communicate with ___________ regarding volunteer and horse needs for lessons.

  • Maintain a safe program environment for participants, horses and volunteers.

  • Communicate safety plans often and clearly.

  • Communicate with parents and professionals as needed, always in a positive, respectful manner and in-line with The Achieve Collective’s core values.

  • Direct volunteers in a positive, respectful manner before, during, and after lessons and empower volunteers to provide the best possible experience for participants.

  • Assist in volunteer training, orientation, and ongoing education opportunities.

  • Assist in maintaining orderly stalls, barns, equipment and arena by directing volunteers in appropriate cleaning and sanitizing methods.

  • Maintain regular participant record logs, rider evaluations, and lesson plans.

  • Engage in annual performance appraisals and continuing education opportunities’ in fields related to The Achieve Collective’s mission and purpose.

  • Attend regular instructor meetings (monthly during sessions).

  • Communicate all problems and concerns, especially but not limited to horse health and behavior,  through chain of command.

  • Abide by participant confidentiality agreements.

  • Represent The Achieve Collective in a positive and professional manner.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Qualifications

  • Must be a MA Licensed Riding Instructor.

  • PATH Intl. Instructor or experience teaching people of all abilities preferred.

  • Prior experience in horseback riding instruction required.

  • Must be certified in First Aid and CPR (or able to obtain).

  • Must be 18 years old.

  • High energy, positive attitude, flexibility, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative and problem-solving skills.

  • Must be able to demonstrate proficiency of horse care and behavior.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Must pass a criminal history background check.

Position Commitments

  • Minimum of 1 lesson a week commitment for a full session

  • Lesson includes 30 minutes prior to scheduled start for preparation, set up and horse assessment and 30 minutes after for horse and equipment clean up (multiple lessons are scheduled consecutively so that prep and clean up is 1 time for all that day’s lessons). 

Lesson Rate: $20-35 depending on experience and lesson format

Work Environment:

The Achieve Collective is an equestrian center. Instructors are required to perform the physical duties associated with maintaining a horse stable. This includes and is not limited to lifting up to 50 pounds, walking for extended periods of time, cleaning horse stalls of manure, turning out and bringing in horses, and feeding and watering horses.

Candidate selected for position must perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Interested persons should complete the inquiry form below. A member of the leadership team will get in touch with you.