How to become a riding instructor?

Within a club, an equestrian center or a riding school, it is the riding instructor who organizes and provides riding lessons. The latter determines a program as well as training stages that are adapted to the level of the riders. How then to become a riding instructor? We talk about it in this article.

What does a riding instructor do?

The riding instructor is a sports instructor who is qualified in equestrian activities. He is therefore the one who provides everything related to the basic teaching of equestrian sport and everything that is essential for practicing such a sport. The riding instructor is responsible for teaching how to prepare the mount, put on the saddle, the bridle and even advises the equestrian center when purchasing these accessories on La Sellerie Francaise .

The riding instructor is also the one who provides important information regarding the appropriate equipment such as boots, riding breeches, helmet and chin strap for head protection.

This is a professional who adapts his teaching according to the riders he takes charge of, whether they are experienced or beginners. In his job, the riding instructor, as if by giving confidence to beginners by teaching them how to saddle up, the gesture relationship, the body attitudes which allow the animal to move forward, to make it change direction or to ask it to stop.

Then, over the course of the lessons, the riding instructor helps his or her learner progress in the conditions of controlling the animal in a gallop or trot situation.

It is therefore necessary to understand that the riding instructor is the one whose main activity is teaching, but who, depending on the size of the staff at the riding centre, can be responsible for maintenance, management, welcoming the public and communication.

As for his work environment, you should know that the riding instructor generally works outdoors and that he sometimes works indoors in some covered riding arenas. The hours of the riding instructor are really variable especially depending on the season. These are also flexible hours. The riding instructor can also be a territorial agent. He can also be the employee of a horse-riding establishment or work on his own account.

What study or training do you need to become an excellent riding instructor?

To become a riding instructor, it is necessary to obtain the BPJEPS sports instructor with the mention "equestrian activities" . Five mentions are prioritized here. The mention horse riding, the mention carriage, the mention western riding, the mention equestrian tourism as well as the mention traditional and working riding. The most suitable mention here is that of horse riding.

To prepare for the BPJEPS, it is necessary to have the CAP level. In addition, you must hold the PSC1 and be at least 18 years old. Likewise, you must have an excellent level in equestrian sports.

In other words, you must pass the tests that correspond to level 7 of the French Equestrian Federation. The last thing to know is that you can prepare for the BPJEPS through initial training, apprenticeship or even with a professional contract.