Horse Camp Instructor

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Central Virginia Horse Rescue Summer Horse Camp is a dynamic program that establishes development of young equestrians through a balanced approach of equine education, horse care, and riding. Week-long horse camps are designed for entry level students who love horses and want to build their skills and confidence. The CVHR volunteers and Horse Camp Counselors work as part of a collaborative, supportive and professional team to offer horsemanship skills such as grooming, tacking, and mucking, as well as horse-theme arts and crafts. Additional curriculum focuses on horse history, anatomy, and natural horsemanship. In addition, this role will assist our Barn Manager with care for our horses.

This is a non riding position.

Instructors are responsible for creatively adapting and delivering dynamic horsemanship-based curriculum to small groups of youth. Additional activities may include games, crafts, animal care, and wilderness skills. Rapport-building between students and instructors is a key aspect of this position.

Instructors will cultivate a sense of curiosity and discovery of the equine world through inquiry-based teaching, hands-on lessons, animal interactions, and exploration. Instructors will model enthusiasm for all aspects of nature and weather conditions and consistently incorporate themes of stewardship, gratitude, and wonder. Horse instructors work as part of a dynamic and collaborative team as well as teach classes independently. This position reports to the Barn Manager and Executive Director.

• Develop a core curriculum for the summer horse camp
• Teach horse camps according to the key program values and curriculum overview
• Maintain prompt and professional email communication with CVHR administration, proactively communicating any issues which may arise
• Take responsibility for the safety, education and happiness of all participants in your camp
• Encourage respect between participants, as well as respect for the CVHR animals, equipment, and facilities
• Ensure appropriate and safe behavior for all participants
• Demonstrate impeccable time management and reliably arrive to the farm on time as well prep before classes, clean up afterwards, and care for equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Able to hold boundaries with students and comfortable upholding consequences when necessary with priority for positive-discipline based approaches.

• At least 2 years experience as camp counselor, outdoor educator, riding instructor, or related field preferred
• For those interested in teaching horseback riding lessons specifically: At least 2 years experience teaching safe and engaging beginner horseback riding Pony Club experience looked upon favorably within the past 5 years.
• Natural horsemanship background/approach a plus
• Able to interact with horses independently and confidently.
• Ability to independently groom and tack horses and confidently manage student’s interactions with horses in a group setting.
• Knowledge of english and western tack (we predominantly use western)
• Ability to patiently and positively mentor youth from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and experiences
• Willing to work outside in all weather
• Able to maintain clean, organized workspaces
• Ability to improvise, be creative, proactive and flexible, with a strong back pocket of games and activities
• Thrive in professional environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to lead curriculum, activities, games and projects as assigned, and to follow a strict daily timetable
• Committed to being a solution-oriented, self-motivated community member in a cooperative, team-oriented atmosphere
• Be a model of kindness, flexibility and professionalism
• Able to check and respond to email communications within 24 business hours
• Current First Aid and CPR training a plus