Position Overview New York Equestrian Center Ltd. is seeking a responsible, safety-focused, and experienced Trail Guide to lead guided horseback trail rides for guests of varying riding abilities. The Trail Guide is responsible for providing a safe, professional, and enjoyable riding experience while representing NYEC in a courteous and knowledgeable manner.

The Trail Guide must have strong horse-handling skills, good judgment, and the ability to calmly manage riders, horses, and unexpected situations on the trail. This position requires reliability, professionalism, and a strong understanding of basic horsemanship and safety practices.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing horses for scheduled trail rides, including grooming, tacking, and checking equipment for safety and proper fit.
• Matching riders with appropriate horses based on size, experience level, and comfort.
• Greeting guests in a professional and friendly manner.
• Reviewing basic riding instructions and trail safety rules before each ride.
• Leading guided trail rides in a safe, controlled, and organized manner.
• Monitoring riders throughout the ride and providing assistance or instruction as needed.
• Watching for signs of horse discomfort, rider distress, unsafe behavior, or trail hazards.
• Responding calmly and appropriately to emergencies, spooks, falls, loose horses, or other incidents.
• Assisting with mounting and dismounting riders.
• Untacking, cooling out, grooming, and properly caring for horses after rides.
• Maintaining a professional appearance and attitude while interacting with customers, staff, and management.
• Following all NYEC policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

Qualifications:

• Prior horse-handling and riding experience required.
• Experience leading trail rides preferred.
• Must be comfortable handling multiple horses and working with beginner riders.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to give clear instructions.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal hours as needed.
• Must be able to remain calm and professional in stressful or unexpected situations.
• Must be physically capable of lifting, walking, standing, bending, grooming, tacking, mounting assistance, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must understand and follow basic equine safety practices.
• CPR/First Aid certification is preferred but not required.

Work Environment: This position is physically active and requires working outdoors, in the barn, and around horses, riders, and guests. The Trail Guide must be comfortable working in changing weather conditions and must prioritize horse and rider safety at all times.

Expectations: The Trail Guide is expected to act as a professional representative of New York Equestrian Center Ltd. at all times. Safety, reliability, communication, and proper horse care are essential parts of this position.