Now Hiring: Horseback Trail Guide & Riding Instructor – Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Location: Uxbridge, Ontario
Position: Part-Time Leading to Full-Time; Seasonal leading to Year-Round Opportunities
Pathways on Pleasure Valley is currently seeking dedicated, enthusiastic, and hardworking individuals who can fulfill multiple aspects of our equestrian operations. While we understand not all candidates will have experience in every area listed below, we do require candidates to be qualified in most areas and willing to learn. Please thoroughly read the entire job description before applying.
IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT apply if you cannot commit to weekends and holidays.
REQUIREMENTS & DUTIES (Including but not limited to):
1. Guiding Trail Rides:
- Gather, feed, groom, and saddle horses daily.
- Guide trail rides for children, teens, and adults.
- Independently guide rides (must be at least 18 years old).
- Physically fit, agile, able to respond quickly to urgent situations.
- Capable of riding for at least 6 hours per day.
- Provide pre-ride instructions, assist guests on/off horses, adjust tack.
- Guide from front, rear, or side; pony another horse or lead hand-held "pony" rides.
- Must have First Aid/CPR certification; knowledge of emergency and evacuation procedures.
- Safety-conscious, able to demonstrate control and collection on horseback.
- Knowledge of local area, history, and general tourist information is beneficial.
2. Riding Instructor (1-2 days/week):
- Teach both English and Western horsemanship.
- Students range from young children (7 yrs+) to adults; beginner to intermediate levels.
- Assist young children safely with horse and pony activities.
- Conduct group riding lessons and theory instruction for camps.
- Candidates with teaching certifications or proven horse-training experience preferred.
3. Stable Management:
- Daily horse handling, grooming, saddling, feeding, manure removal, stall cleaning, yard maintenance, landscaping.
- Comfortable operating a tractor.
- Physically capable of lifting:
- Saddles (25-50 lbs.) onto horses and saddle racks.
- Hay bales (40-50 lbs.) to waist level or higher.
- Able to reach above shoulder level to halter or bridle horses.
4. Office-Related Tasks:
- Answer phones, provide information, schedule rides.
- Guest check-in, ensure accurate release form completion, process payments, fit helmets properly.
- Provide guests with community and tourist information.
5. Professionalism:
- Deliver exceptional customer service; treat guests with courtesy and respect.
- Maintain positive, helpful attitude under all circumstances.
- Maintain good working relationships with colleagues and landowners.
- Ensure the highest level of guest satisfaction and enjoyment at all times.
6. Time Commitment:
- Part-time position with the opportunity to transition to full-time.
- Must be available weekends, holidays, and peak seasons (summer and fall).
- Year-round work available, with possible shift cancellations due to weather or guest discretion (minimal notice).
Experience Required:
- Horseback Riding: Minimum 5 years.
- Coaching/Teaching: Minimum 1 year.
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Post-secondary diploma preferred.
Compensation:
- Salary: $18 to $19 per hour, plus tips.
- Job Types: Part-time leading to Full-time, Contract
How to Apply:
Please send a detailed cover letter outlining all your horse-related experience along with your resume to [email protected] subject: employment application .
Thank you for your interest—only candidates able to commit to weekend and holiday shifts will be considered.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Pay: $18.00-$19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16.0 – 40.0 per week
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Uxbridge, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Willing to work weekends and holidays (required)
Education:
- Secondary School (required)
Experience:
- equestrian: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
