If you have always wanted to teach horseback riding lessons, you might want to become a horseback riding instructor. These professionals are responsible for teaching children and adults how to ride horses, from baby-beginner levels to advanced instruction. Of course, in order to become a horseback riding instructor, there are a few things you must do to guarantee success.

1- Get Educated

It isn't enough to know how to ride - you must also know how to teach. Read books about riding instruction, visit web sites dedicated to this profession, and obtain certification in the riding discipline you want to teach. In order to be a successful horseback riding instructor, you must be capable of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand pieces. For example, can you explain the posting trot to someone who has never trotted a horse before? If so, you might be an instructor in the making.

Your education will also help you determine what type of horseback riding instructor you'll be. Some instructors do better with baby beginner students, while others can only work with advanced riders. Generally speaking, you should only be working with students who have not yet reached your level of expertise. Once they surpass their instructor, they should move on to someone else.

2- Request an Apprenticeship

Although there are currently no formal apprenticeships for horseback riding instructors, you can do this the informal way and team up with a veteran teacher for a few months. Sit in on lessons, help as ground crew, and take over segments of the lessons to get the feel for how it works. A great instructor learns from the masters of his or her trade, and takes pointers from those who have succeeded in the past.

When you take an apprenticeship, however, make sure you're working with a horseback riding instructor who teaches the same discipline in which you later want to work. For instance, if you feel most comfortable teaching western pleasure, apprentice with an instructor who specializes in that discipline. The same goes for jumping, dressage, reining, cutting, saddleseat, and any other equestrian discipline.

3- Learn Proper Safety Techniques

Horseback riding is a dangerous spot, so all horseback riding instructors should know CPR, First Aid, and should be able to respond quickly and effectively in a crisis. What if one of your students takes a bad fall? What will you do if a horse becomes injured? How should students behave while mounted? These are all things you need to know if you want to be effective in this profession.

You should also realize that horseback riding instructors learn these techniques as they go. You won't pick it up right away, but you'll continue to learn how to handle safety issues. Until you've got it down pat, however, don't teach riding lessons unless someone else is at the barn to assist in case of an emergency.

4- Find a Stable

Most horseback riding instructors don't have the cash to open up their own equestrian centers right away, so you'll have to find barn owners who will allow you to teach on their property. This can be set up either as an employer - employee relationship, or as an independent contractor. Either way, you'll have to split your earnings in some fashion because you're using someone else's facility.

5- Continue Your Education

Horseback riding instructors don't just stop learning once they achieve the title. Instead, they continue to broaden their horizons as they gain more experience. Taking classics, clinics and seminars can make you a better instructor, and will keep you abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry. New techniques and tips arise every day, so don't assume that you can just quit once you have a loyal clientele.