Riding Instructor

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Inc•Bridgewater, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Easterseals MA 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 part-time 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. the types and uses of materials & equipment used in equine activities safety practices and procedures followed in general equine activities 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 motivational riding techniques and positive reinforcement

Nice To Haves

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