Riding trek leaders are responsible for taking groups of holiday makers on hacks and need to be a good rider, friendly and have good communication skills. Check out our guide to the duties, hours, training and qualifications needed as a horse riding trek leader.
Duties Of A Horse Riding Trek Leader
- Assessing the riding ability of individuals and matching them to a suitable horse or pony
- Ensuring riders are able to mount, dismount and halt
- Ensuring that appropriate safety clothing is worn and health and safety rules are followed
- Planning and organising riding routes
- Organising trek assistants and yard staff
- Adminstering first aid in the event that a rider falls from a horse
Duties may also include mucking out, turning out and bringing in, tack cleaning, tacking up and untacking horses, etc.
Working Hours Of A Horse Riding Trek Leader
Work is often seasonal and during the summer months can involve working long hours into the evenings and during the weekends.
Requirments Of A Horse Riding Trek Leader
A trek leader needs to:
- have good horse riding skills
- be fit as the job will involve riding for several hours each day
- have a good knowledge and awareness of safety issues
- enjoy working with people and to be able to communicate well with people of all ages
- be patient and be able to work with riders of all abilities
- have human first aid training
- be willing to work outside in all weather conditions
Pay And Prospects Of A Horse Riding Trek Leader
Rates of pay vary according to age, qualifications and experience but, as a guide, the average salary of a full time trek leader may range from £12,000-£17,000 per annum. Trek Leaders could consider training and progressing to becoming a Centre Manager.
Training And Qualifications To Become A Horse Riding Trek Leader
The qualifications below are relevant to anyone thinking of becoming a horse riding holiday trek leader.
- BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate
- Health & Safety First Aid at Work, BHS First Aid or appropriate National equivalent.
- BHS Stage 1
- BHS Stage 2
- EQL Equestrian Tourism Ride Leader Level 2 - candidates must be 16 years of age
- EQL Equestrian Tourism Ride Leader Level 3 - candidates must be 18 years of age
