TRAIL RIDING
WHAT DOES THE JOB INVOLVE?
Some of the trail riding schools are also horse welfare rescue centres so they’re great place for those who want to work with horses who need care. Enjoy some of the best views in Australia, all from the back of a horse.
You’ll most likely be looking after a number of horses that are used to taking tourists, local children and adults out for rides. More than likely you’ll be asked to lead or assist in a line of horses with beginners, intermediates and advanced riders. You’ll be responsible for the safety of the horses and guests during this time.
When there are guests your job will involve tacking up horses and instructing others on how to do this, teaching the basics of how to control the horse and assisting those from horseback during the trail ride.
Standard jobs include being assigned to mucking out, feeding, moving horses from paddock to paddock, rugging up, assisting vets and farriers and all the other necessary tasks that come with working with horses.
Work hours:
A 5-6 day week is typical and often you will be asked to work on the weekends as these are popular days for guests.
Locations:
Trail riding centres are located all over Australia but generally closer to the coasts to attract migrating tourists and backpackers. Some of these stables are in wonderful tourist destinations which you can explore on your days off.
Typical length of job:
Jobs at trail riding centres can be anywhere between 3 and 6 months.
Season:
Trail riding work runs throughout the year but the stables can be busier at certain times like the summer months of December, January and February. School and work holiday breaks are also very busy periods for employers in this industry. You could be needed for a standard 3 months or up to 6 months depending on how busy the stables get. It is important that you have time to learn the different trails in order to lead rides, and time to see how the daily routine operates.
Living conditions:
You’ll most likely be living in groom accommodation near the stables, or in a cottage or outbuildings with other workers. Meals or food to cook is usually provided as part of your wage.
Who does this suit?
You’ll need to be sociable and friendly and with good customer service skills to work as a trail riding instructor or groom. You’ll be dealing with a lot of guests each day and will need to be responsible for the safety of the people and the horses.
Good orientation skills are always helpful as you may be asked to lead rides into the bush, beach or rainforest. In saying this, it shouldn’t take long to pick up the routes and depending on group size, there may be another employee with you.
These jobs are usually located in populated areas along the coast where the stables can pick up locals and passing tourist trade. You are rarely far from town and phone service is more reliable.
You’ll be working with other grooms so this is a social job. You must be confident in looking after beginner riders and children from horseback and the ground. The horses used in trail riding centres are usually lovely as they need to be fairly quiet and safe to carry riders of all levels.
A great job and a chance to spend everyday enjoying the breath-taking sights from horseback.