The profession of riding instructor
Standing in the middle of the riding school or an outdoor arena, attentive to both riders and horses, the riding instructor leads the lesson called "reprise". Passionate about riding and enjoying teaching, he divides his time between the riders and the horses, without either taking priority over the other.
A job where you have to love teaching as much as horses
The riding instructor is an animator or a teacher. As such, he is interested in his students, in their individual progress, and applies teaching methods to make these learning times enjoyable and fun. Faced with beginner or experienced riders, children or adults, he adapts his objectives, assigns the horses in order to motivate each one while preserving the safety of the practitioners.
The horse, even when trained, is not totally predictable. Knowing what special precautions to take, how to react in the event of an accident is part of the skill and professional maturity required of the instructor.
Most of the instructor's working time is spent teaching. The lesson days can be long and leave him little time to ride himself. If he does ride, it will be more often other people's horses than his own.
Put a horse to work, train it, care for it
Within the equestrian center, the horse works. During lesson time, the instructor manages and measures the animal's efforts. Outside of lessons, he perfects his training, manages his rest times. At the same time, he helps the staff responsible for care, maintenance of the boxes and the cleanliness of the center. He is often involved in purchasing equines (horses, ponies) as well as their accessories. Many riding instructors buy their equipment from La Sellerie Française .
Participate in the life of the equestrian center.
The riding instructor has his share of responsibility in the atmosphere that reigns within the center. His relational and pedagogical qualities as well as his receptiveness to the needs of the clientele contribute to the climate of the club. He contributes to the organization of parties, games, shows, competitions, exams. If he has a coaching activity, he supervises the competitors, often on weekends, while preparing the material organization of travel.
A job requiring availability
The riding instructor covered by the collective agreement for equestrian centers benefits from the 35-hour week system. However, on a daily basis, the horse has all the priorities. Unforeseen events, such as a sick horse, can change the hours of the days. This reality must be qualified: the size of the center and its status influence the required versatility. However, many equestrian centers are small and this involvement will be sought.
Teaching and riding horses: activities that can be done outdoors, in all weathers
Horse riding is an outdoor activity, even if some clubs have indoor riding arenas. It can be practiced in all weathers, whether for lessons or treks, unless it presents a danger to the rider or the horse. Life in an equestrian center is an outdoor life. In fact, the instructor is often offered accommodation on site.