Horseback Riding Jobs at Summer Camps
Horseback riding jobs at summer camps are some of the most beloved waterfront-style specialty roles in the camp world. From classic English programs at traditional sleepaway camps to western training at sprawling residential ranch camps, riding instructors get to spend the summer mentoring campers through one of the most empowering disciplines around. If you grew up at the barn and love working with kids and horses, this is summer camp magic at its best.
As a horseback riding instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach riding lessons, manage barn routines, coach in horse shows, and care for camp horses. You’ll work with campers across all skill levels — beginners learning to mount, intermediate riders progressing through gaits, and advanced riders prepping for show events. Many co-ed residential camps host weekly riding showcases and a season-ending horse show that puts everyone’s hard work on display.
What does a horseback riding instructor at summer camp do?You’ll teach riding lessons, manage barn chores, coach in shows, and care for camp horses. Daily work includes feeding, tacking, mucking, and arena instruction at the sleepaway camp throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications are valued for these jobs?CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) and BHS certifications are widely recognized. Show coaching credentials and working student experience also stand out at residential camps with serious equestrian programs.
Are horseback riding instructors expected to ride hard horses?It varies. Many overnight camps maintain school horses suited to teaching, while specialty equestrian residential camps may have a mix that requires experienced riders to school and warm up horses across the summer.
What does the pay look like for horseback riding jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which makes the overall summer camp package noticeably more valuable than the base figure.
Is horseback riding a good fit for first-time camp staff?Yes, if you have solid riding and barn experience. Most overnight camps with equestrian programs pair newer instructors with experienced barn leads during orientation to support a smooth start to the summer.
Browse Summer Camp Horseback Riding Jobs for 2026
| Job Type | Setting | Min. Education | Min. Experience |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp | High School Diploma/Equivalent | 0-1 Year |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Activity Specialists and Key Staff have the chance to lead and participate in a wide range of activities, including a variety of sports, a waterfront with a pool and lake, a high ropes course and other outdoor activities, many forms of art, sports, and much more! You will make friends from all over the world, spend your days hanging out with kids, and coming up with entertaining events and programs to keep campers excited and engaged.
We are seeking a responsible, enthusiastic, and energetic person who wants to spend their summer acting as a mentor and role model for kids, while teaching and developing skills in traditional camp activities.
You will work, play, and live in a structured outdoor environment as a summer camp activity specialist, emphasizing a sense of fun, family, friendship, and belonging. Safety of campers and the community is always the top priority.
Duties Include:
- Ensure campers are safe at ALL times
- Participation in staff orientation and training before camp begins
- Guiding children through your designated activities and/or sports
- Teaching and mentoring of young campers
- Conflict resolution
- Enforce camp safety practices
- Assist with setting up and closing of facilities
- Assist with routine maintenance of facilities
- Assist with required record keeping
- Being a role model for children
- Guide children through their summer activities in a positive, fun, and healthy manner
- Supervise and lend assistance to campers, with an emphasis on safety
- Carrying out duties assigned by supervising staff
- Enjoying summer camp!
Activity Specialist Positions include:
- Sports and Athletics
- Coaching, instruction, team sports, individual sports, fitness
- Waterfront, Aquatics
- Lifeguards, swim instructors, boat operators, waterskiing and wakeboarding, sailing, fishing
- Outdoor Adventure
- Hiking, camping, ropes courses, zip-lining, rock climbing
- Fine Arts
- Painting, drawing, ceramics, woodworking, textiles, cooking, crafts
- Performing Arts
- Theater/drama, dance, music, recording
- STEM and Technology
- Media, video/radio production, rocketry/robotics
- Equestrian / Horseback Riding
Activity Specialist Requirements
- Must be available to work from early-mid June through mid-late August, depending on the camp program hiring
- High school diploma
- Experience and expertise in preferred activity area/s
- A love for children
- Flexible attitude with strong skills working in a team
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to problem solve and exercise independent judgement
- Friendly, empathetic attitude
- First aid- and CPR certifications are a big plus
- Must be able to pass a drug and/or background test according to camp policies and local laws
- Experience and passion for caring for children and young adults
Benefits and Information
- Begins in early-mid June, about a week before camp is in session, and ends when camp ends or just after, usually in mid-late August for a 7-8 week program.
- Communal housing
- All food and meals provided
- Paid days off
- Staff only SWAG
- Internet access
- Laundry facilities
- Valuable leadership experience
- Networking within large and diverse staff and alumni communities
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Our extensive activity program at Birchmont is run by an incredible team of coaches, athletes, and artists. Depending on the area, our specialists will either run a program on their own or as part of a team of instructors – helping the campers to learn new skills, have fun and develop their confidence and ability in particular areas. Our specialists also play an important role with their assigned group, assisting as general counselors when not running their own activity area. This role is suited to someone with expertise or experience in a particular activity – previous coaching or teaching experience is preferred, but our Area Heads and Athletic Director are on hand to ‘teach the teachers’, and help talented athletes and specialists develop their own delivery style – so enthusiastic amateurs are welcome also! Current specialty areas which we are recruiting for include: Archery, Arts and Crafts, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Fitness/Personal Training, Mountain Biking, Games (Physical Education), Performing Arts & Music, High Ropes, Horseback Riding, Tennis, and Soccer. Our Activity Specialists typically will spend about half their day delivering their activity area, and the other half of the day acting as General Counselors, so they get to have the full camp experience, while honing and sharing their skills in a particular program area. These roles are suited to current college students or graduates with a passion for their chosen activity.
