Riding holiday leader

There's no set entry route but you may find it useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

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You can do an advanced apprenticeship in horse care and management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a stablehand or groom and with further training and experience, work your way up to become a riding holiday leader.

Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can be a good way to get started.

You could take a ride leader course, like those offered by The British Horse Society.

Further information

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

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be over 16 years of age
• 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:

• assessing riders' abilities
• making sure riders are wearing the correct clothing
• explaining safety procedures and basic riding techniques, like mounting, dismounting and stopping
• taking riders out on treks
• organising yard staff
• employing assistants and other junior staff
• training assistant ride leaders

You could work at a riding stable.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

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