Job Openings at Windridge

We are seeking an experienced Riding Director for summer 2027! Windridge offers horseback riding as a major to about 15 campers each 17-day session, and the Riding Director leads a well established equestrian program built around a leased herd of approximately 18 horses. The role covers the full scope of running camp riding, from teaching and supervising barn staff to planning lesson progressions for riders of every level, organizing camp horse shows, overseeing horse health and veterinary care, and managing barn facilities and equipment. We're looking for someone with strong horsemanship credentials such as CHA, BHS, Pony Club, or ARIA certification, previous camp and supervisory experience, and a genuine love of working with children outdoors in a warm, traditional camp setting. This is a live in, seasonal position running from mid June orientation through August 15, 2027, with housing and meals provided and compensation based on experience and certification level.

Please reach out to Nifer with any questions.

Riding Director
Responsible to: Camp Directors

Season and Compensation

Staff orientation begins in mid June 2027, with camp sessions running June 23 through August 15. This is a live in, seasonal position; housing and meals are provided for the full season. Compensation based on experience and certification level.

Camp Goals

The Riding Director is an integral part of the success of Windridge at Teela Wooket. The Riding Director should maintain an atmosphere in the riding program that meets the goals of the Windridge Experience, a camp where campers make a commitment to hard work, good sportsmanship, and fun amidst a warm and friendly environment in a caring atmosphere.

Desired Qualifications

• Desire and ability to develop and implement a high profile riding program
• Training or experience in equine science and horsemanship; equine science degree or coursework preferred
• Previous camp experience
• Previous supervisory experience
• Current or past British Horse Society, Pony Club, American Riding Instructor, or Certified Horsemanship Association certifications or training
• Teaching qualification and/or experience and the ability to teach riding to campers and staff
• Ability to identify ill health in horses and make recommendations for treatment
• Knowledge, ability, and experience administering veterinary medicine
• Ability to oversee the set up of the barn and riding areas
• Knowledge of equine nutrition and feeding
• Knowledge of shoeing requirements for horses
• Ability to supervise riding program staff and make scheduling assignments
• Ability to train staff in proper teaching techniques
• Ability to organize camp horse shows
• Ability to organize, select, and coach riders for horse shows
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors
• Ability to relate to people of a variety of ages
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self control

General Responsibilities: To plan and oversee Windridge's riding program

• Assist camp directors by occasionally contacting potential campers, particularly those interested in the riding program
• Order supplies for the riding program, including medications and other veterinary supplies
• Assist the site and facilities director in developing a plan for maintenance and repairs of riding program facilities and equipment
• Develop standards and paperwork for the Windridge riding program for participants, in line with industry standards, including camper competency levels
• Develop and run an orientation and training program for riding staff
• Send riding specific mailings to riding staff
• Check the condition of returning horses and select new horses from the lessor, managing a leased herd of approximately 18 horses for the season
• Help monitor and enforce the program's per session rider cap to maintain a strong horse to rider ratio

General Responsibilities: To direct and supervise camp's riding program

• Set up the stable and riding area during staff training
• Teach staff their responsibilities in the riding program during staff training
• Keep detailed records of training and assessment of staff
• Train, supervise, and schedule the barn manager and riding counselors
• Implement and record regular staff meetings and facilitate effective communication channels
• Teach and monitor proper use of equipment
• Monitor use of paddocks and submit requests to maintenance regarding parasite control, damage to fencing, and weather damage to the ground
• Check equipment and make repairs, or submit requests to maintenance staff
• Conduct initial and end of season inventory, and store equipment for safety
• Conduct a daily check of equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair
• Write and check all lesson plans
• Keep records on all campers participating in the riding program; help them progress from their current riding level to a more advanced level; manage the evaluation program for campers
• Plan and implement opening day riding exhibitions
• Submit orders for equipment and supplies, including feed, shavings, and medicine when needed, ensuring timely arrival of materials
• Identify the need for veterinary treatment and administer veterinary medicine where necessary
• Observe the overall condition and health of the horses at camp and make arrangements for visits by a veterinarian and blacksmith if needed
• Keep records of each horse's veterinary history, normal vital signs, and character
• Share in the supervision and evaluation of other camp operations and staff, outside of program times, or if observed during program times
• Assist in packing all materials and equipment at the end of the season
• Evaluate the current season and make suggestions for the following season
• Help provide an atmosphere for developing good morale and well being among the camp family
• Speak publicly to groups of parents, campers, and staff to promote camp and share information

These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be added as required.

Essential Functions

• Must have visual acuity and auditory ability to observe camper and staff behavior, and to identify and respond to hazards
• Must have visual acuity to observe the state of a horse's health or ill health, and knowledge of routine and emergency veterinary care
• Must have the cognitive ability to plan and conduct activity areas, train staff, use a computer for scheduling, keep neat and orderly records, and write materials for promotional purposes
• Must be physically able to lift 50 pounds of hay, shavings, or feed for horse management, and able to ride at a high skill level on the flat and over fences
• Must have the oral ability to convey information to the public