
Pony trekking guide
Riding holiday leaders take individuals and groups out on treks.
Salary Scale: £15,500 to £23,000

You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- specialist courses run by professional bodies

There’s no set entry route but you may find it useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Horse Care
- Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You can do an advanced apprenticeship in horse care and management.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as a stablehand or groom and with further training and experience, work your way up to become a riding holiday leader.
Volunteering and experience
Volunteering and seasonal work at a local stables or riding centre can be a good way to get started.
Other routes
You could take a ride leader course, like those offered by The British Horse Society.
More information
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a riding holiday leader from The British Horse Society.

Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- leadership skills
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- be over 16 years of age
- have a first aid certificate
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- assessing riders’ abilities
- making sure riders are wearing the correct clothing
- explaining safety procedures and basic riding techniques, like mounting, dismounting and stopping
- taking riders out on treks
- organising yard staff
- employing assistants and other junior staff
- training assistant ride leaders
Working environment
You could work at a riding stable.
Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

You could move into a management position, like a riding holiday centre manager.