Riding Instructor

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Inc • Bridgewater, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Easterseals Massachusetts is a well-established nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. We are seeking a per diem Riding Instructor to join our team at Equestrian Center at Easterseals Massachusetts in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Riding Instructors will provide traditional English and adaptive horseback riding instruction and equine-assisted activities at the 20-acre Equestrian Center on The Bridge Center campus. Instructors will offer fun and safe lessons while enhancing a participant’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and educational skills. PATH CTRI and/or ESMHL certification is preferred.

Requirements

• Massachusetts Riding Instructors License
• PATH TRI License; or working towards
• CPR/AED Certification
• Experience working in an equine setting in a recognized public or private professional agency
• Knowledge of the basic principles and techniques of equine-assisted recreation.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of materials & equipment used in equine activities
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in general equine activities
• Knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each participant’s requirements related to age specific needs
• Knowledge of motivational riding techniques and positive reinforcement
• Easterseals Massachusetts conducts extensive background checks and professional references for all potential employees.
• If selected for hire, candidates must be able to provide a recent physical indicating the ability to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without accommodations and required immunizations.

Nice To Haves

• PATH CTRI and/or ESMHL certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated 4+ years instructional experience in a professional equine setting (outside of backyard barns)
• Knowledge and skills regarding age-specific physiological changes and developmental needs
• Established record of adhering to a tight schedule
• Experience working with children and young adults with disabilities in an equine or other capacity
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Equine Studies or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Assess and develop scaffolded goals for new participants (mounted and/or unmounted)
• Create a lesson plan and adjust throughout the lesson based on participant needs
• Instruct a diverse population of both individual and group lessons on afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends
• Track participant progress through record logs, rider evaluations, and subsequent lesson plans
• Set up and take down lesson obstacles and manipulatives as necessary
• Groom, tack, untack, warm-up/exercise equines for lessons
• Demonstrate proactive equine behavior management in a lesson setting
• Identify unsoundness in a horse at all gaits
• Address basic training and schooling of horses regularly
• Update horse usage logs in coordination with Equestrian Center Director
• Identify basic tack components and horse diet, health and anatomy
• Fit equipment to equine and participant
• Conduct equipment and participant safety checks before and throughout a lesson
• Respond to emergencies (emergency dismounts, equine first aid)
• Assist and direct volunteer groomers, sidewalkers and leaders as necessary
• Follow all safety protocols, demonstrating and modeling safe work behavior while utilizing proper body mechanics
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and collaboratively with Equestrian Center staff and volunteers
• Manage participant issues during assigned periods within the barn environment
• Implement effective teaching techniques and model appropriate interpersonal communication
• Manage volunteers, sidewalkers and leaders with clear directions before, during and after a lesson
• Foster participant educational and interpersonal development while evaluating progress towards riding objectives
• Participate actively in Easterseals MA meetings, events and other activities
• Follow the guidelines established for the ethical care, training and maintenance of equines
• Provide an optimal environment for equine participation in mounted sessions
• Handle and tack an equine safely and appropriately for the situation at hand
• Demonstrate safe and appropriate arena etiquette
• Instruct for a balanced, independent seat whenever possible without training aids

Benefits

• We champion an environment where every employee feels valued and respected.
• We welcome everyone’s unique perspectives and strive to dismantle barriers that hinder individuals from reaching their full potential.
• We actively engage with our staff, volunteers, partners, and the broader community to promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration.
• Together, we can create a workplace where everyone thrives by ensuring all feel empowered and valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level