Trek Leader Centre Operator

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Horse riding in school with instructor

Jobs vary depending on the employer but the main tasks are usually:

  • Assess riders' ability and confidence and choose horses or ponies to suit them
  • Explain safety procedures and riding techniques, such as mounting, dismounting and halting
  • Make sure that all riders wear appropriate clothing and follow safety procedures.

Trek Leader Centre Operators may also be responsible for:

  • The care of horses or ponies
  • Planning routes
  • Making sure that tack is kept clean and in good order
  • Checking the standard of grooming and the general care of horses and ponies.

Trek Leaders may have to organise yard staff and train Assistant Ride Leaders. They must also be able to take temporary charge of the centre when the owner or manager is away.

Working Conditions 

Working hours tend to be long and can include evening and weekend work, especially during the main holiday period. Many Trek Leaders work part-time or seasonally. Most of the work takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.

Trek Leaders organise and run horse and pony riding activities, particularly treks and hacks across open countryside. They may work with groups or individuals and visitors can be first-time riders, through to experienced riders.

With the right qualifications there may be opportunities to work abroad. 

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Salary

Some employers provide accommodation, food, free stabling for their employees’ horses and riding instruction, so individual salaries may vary.

Starting salary:

£12,000

Ending Salary:

£18,000

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Getting started

Trek Leaders need good riding skills and experience of horse care and management. Some Trek Leaders have first worked as Assistant Trek Leaders escorting up to six riders on short rides, treks or hacks, and helping Trek Leaders on rides or treks which are longer or have more riders.

Volunteering and seasonal work can be a good way to get started.

What experienced workers can do

  • Maintain the health and well-being of equines
  • Maintain tack
  • Restrain a horse when necessary
  • Groom and clean a horse
  • Recognise signs of equine illness
  • Maintain records
  • Map reading skills and familiarity with the local countryside
  • Communicate with others. 

Personal qualities you should have

  • Have good riding skills
  • Have good customer service skills
  • Have good communication skills
  • Be able to meet the physical demands of the job
  • Flexible about working hours and location
  • Self-motivated.
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Next steps

Trek Leaders may progress into specific jobs such as in an equine tourism centre. They may also have the opportunity to progress to Yard Manager or Riding Centre Manager but this will depend on the opportunities available and may mean moving to another establishment.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Your next steps on the Pony trekking career path

Trek Leader Centre Operator also appears on these career paths: