Riding Instructor

The Madeira School is seeking a Riding Instructor. This individual teaches beginner through advanced riders in the American hunter and jumper system, coaches students at USEF, IEA and local horse shows, and supports the overall management of the stables. This position works year-round; requires overnight travel, on-call coverage, and some weekend/holiday responsibilities. Start date is anticipated to be July 1, 2026.

The Madeira School is an independent boarding and day school that educates girls in grades 9-12. The scenic 376-acre campus is just 10 miles from Washington, DC. Enrolling 334 students from 21 states and 38 countries, Madeira was founded with the vision of leading innovation in girls’ education and the mission of launching women who change the world.

For a full list of responsibilities and requirements, please see the advertisement on our website:

Note: This is a physical job that requires the strength and dexterity to perform all required tasks, including several hours daily of standing, sitting and walking. Riding and handling challenging mounts of all temperaments. Lifting and carrying at least 50 pounds, jump standards, boxes, poles and gates. Work is outside in all conditions; exposure to heat, cold, insects, precipitation, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Required experience: Related equine degree OR at least 3 years’ full-time working experience as a professional riding instructor or trainer required; experience riding and training hunters and jumpers preferred.
• Demonstrated ability as teacher and coach; able to teach group lessons and safely train students and horses; able to coach students at competitions.
• Experience showing at USEF-rated competitions and coaching students at USF-rated, IEA or collegiate competitions preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to drive a truck and trailer (including gooseneck trailer).
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with exceptional initiative and judgment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage several projects at once and represent the school in a gracious and supportive manner
• Willingness and ability to travel to away competitions, including overnight stays and hauling horses as needed
• Appreciation of and commitment to boarding and/or single sex education, diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population