Lead Riding Instructor & Program Development

Rosario Ranch is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic instructor to help build a boutique equestrian learning center in beautiful Anacortes, Washington.

Our mission is to develop horsemen and horsewomen—not just riders. We provide a welcoming, confidence-building environment where children and adults learn safe horsemanship, quality riding skills, and a lifelong respect for horses.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys teaching beginners and recreational riders and is excited to help shape a growing program. This is more than an instructor position—it’s an opportunity to become part of a collaborative team and help develop curriculum, teaching standards, clinics, camps, and the overall rider experience.

My role is to manage the program behind the scenes, including horse care, scheduling, client communication, marketing, and facility operations, allowing our instructors to focus on teaching and rider development.

Responsibilities may include teaching private and group lessons, evaluating riders, matching horses, schooling lesson horses, assisting with horse care, and contributing to program growth.

Our horses’ welfare is always the highest priority. We intentionally keep our program boutique so we can provide individualized instruction, exceptional horse care, and meaningful relationships with our riders and families.

As riders’ goals become more specialized, we’re proud to refer them to trusted professional trainers whose expertise aligns with their ambitions. We believe in supporting the entire equestrian community and helping every rider find the path that’s right for them.

If you’re passionate about horses, education, teamwork, and building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

Other Requirements

We’re looking for someone who is excited to become part of a collaborative team and help shape the future of our program.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a positive, professional attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Be dependable, punctual, and comfortable working independently.
• Prioritize horse welfare, safety, and good horsemanship above all else.
• Enjoy working with children, adults, and beginner riders in a patient, encouraging manner.
• Be willing to collaborate on curriculum development and help create a consistent rider experience.
• Be comfortable providing feedback and receiving feedback as we continue to grow together.
• Be authorized to work in the United States and have reliable transportation to Anacortes, Washington.
• Hold current CPR/First Aid certification (or be willing to obtain it).
• Be able to lift 50 pounds and comfortably perform normal barn duties as needed.
• Pass a background check, as the position involves working with minors.

Bonus qualifications (not required):

• Experience with Pony Club, CHA, PATH, or other instructional certifications.
• Experience teaching both English and Western disciplines.
• Experience schooling lesson horses.
• Experience mentoring assistant instructors or working within a lesson program.
• Experience with horse health management and recognizing basic signs of illness or lameness.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who believes horses change lives and wants to help create a welcoming, confidence-building environment where riders of all ages can develop strong horsemanship skills and a lifelong love of horses.

Accommodation

On-site housing is not currently included with this position. However, for the right long-term candidate, Rosario Ranch has the potential to develop an Instructor-in-Residence opportunity.

Our vision includes converting a private office/break room into a comfortable studio apartment with a bathroom (including shower) and access to laundry facilities. While this space is not yet complete, we’d be happy to discuss the possibility with candidates interested in building a long-term future with our program.

We’re looking to build lasting partnerships—not just fill positions—and are excited to grow alongside the right person.

Our Mission

Rosario Ranch is a boutique equestrian learning center where exceptional horse care, quality instruction, and community come first. We focus on introducing children and adults to horses through safe, confidence-building lessons rooted in good horsemanship.

Our horses’ welfare is our highest priority. We intentionally keep our program small to provide individualized instruction, meaningful relationships, and a welcoming environment for riders of all ages.

We’re seeking an experienced instructor who enjoys teaching beginners, values teamwork, and wants to help shape a growing program. While our focus is recreational riding and strong horsemanship, we’re proud to support riders as their goals evolve by referring them to trusted professional trainers who specialize in their chosen discipline.

If you’re passionate about horses, education, and building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.