Riding holiday centre manager
Riding centre managers plan and run the centre's activities, manage staff and develop the business.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £15,000 - £30,000
Typical hours (a week): 40 - 42
How to become a riding holiday centre manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
University
There is no set entry route to become a riding holiday centre manager but it may be useful to get a foundation degree or degree in equine business management.
University (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
It could be useful to do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
- Level 4 Certificate In Horse Care and Management
College (Entry requirements)
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
Work
You could train first as a riding instructor, groom or ride leader and progress into management.
More info
Further information You can find out more about becoming a riding holiday centre manager from The British Horse Society.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- customer service skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be flexible and open to change
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a first aid certificate
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- planning and overseeing riding activities
- arranging a daily routine of horse care and stable management
- managing the health care records for the horses
- handling queries, problems and complaints
- recruiting and managing staff, organising work rotas and arranging training
- carrying out administrative and financial tasks
- marketing and promoting the centre
You'll also develop working relationships with other local countryside and tourism operators.
Working environment
You could work at a riding stable or in an office. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
You could do the Senior Trail Yard Manager qualification offered by the British Horse Society. With experience, you could open your own centre. You could work overseas. You could also become a qualifications examiner.
