Riding holiday centre manager

There is no set entry route to become a riding holiday centre manager but it may be useful to get a foundation degree or degree in equine business management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

It could be useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
• Level 4 Certificate In Horse Care and Management

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

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• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could train first as a riding instructor, groom or ride leader and progress into management.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a riding holiday centre manager from The British Horse Society.

You'll need:

• business management skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• have a first aid certificate
• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• planning and overseeing riding activities
• arranging a daily routine of horse care and stable management
• managing the health care records for the horses
• handling queries, problems and complaints
• recruiting and managing staff, organising work rotas and arranging training
• carrying out administrative and financial tasks
• marketing and promoting the centre

You'll also develop working relationships with other local countryside and tourism operators.

You could work at a riding stable or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.