Riding school workers

What does a riding school worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A riding school worker is responsible for the daily care of horses and the stable environment at riding schools. Tasks include feeding, mucking out, supervising horses, and maintaining equipment and facilities. The role also involves assisting riding instructors during lessons, preparing horses for classes, and sometimes guiding students in handling horses. The work environment is often physically demanding and outdoors-based, with shifts that can include early mornings, weekends, and sometimes evenings. Safety awareness is crucial, as the work involves close contact with animals and heavy machinery.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for riding school workers has shown a modest but steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, rising to 28 400 SEK for both 2023 and 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 4.4% during the period. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary remained unchanged, indicating a slowdown in the positive trend. Salary development can be influenced by factors such as overall wage trends in the agricultural sector, availability of qualified workers, and the employer’s financial conditions. Market demand for riding school services and changes in employee education levels can also contribute to variations in salary over time.

Riding school worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 171 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women: 27 800 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men: 29,700 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a riding school worker, a high school education in natural resource management, with a focus on horse care, is usually required. Many employers seek practical experience with horses and stable work, as well as certificates or proof of completed training. The training may vary in length, and courses or trainee positions are sometimes offered directly at riding schools. Knowledge of horse behavior and safe handling is often a fundamental requirement.

• High school education: Natural resource management program, specializing in horse care (3 years)
• Certificates: Courses in horse care/riding instruction (e.g., via the Swedish Equestrian Federation)
• Practical training: Workplace-based learning or trainee position at a riding school
• Prerequisites: Experience in stable work and horse handling
• Further education: Opportunities to obtain professional certificates or advanced courses

Common benefits and compensations

Riding school workers are often offered benefits such as service riding, subsidized work clothes, wellness allowances, and sometimes discounts on riding lessons. Some employers also provide training allowances or opportunities for further education. Additional pay for unsociable hours may be provided depending on the work schedule and collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a riding school worker is characterized by a paradoxical job market where many work part-time, yet recruitment difficulties persist for employers. Despite national forecasts indicating good employment prospects and a large number of available positions, competition for permanent full-time jobs can be fierce, especially in attractive regions. The work environment is physically demanding and involves working under varying weather conditions. Seasonal fluctuations can affect workload and access to extra work. Those who are flexible and willing to work irregular hours often find it easier to secure employment.

Tips for aspiring riding school workers

To succeed as a riding school worker, it helps to be proactive and independent, as the work often requires managing various tasks on your own. Precision is crucial in caring for horses and equipment, and good physical fitness facilitates daily physical work. Demonstrating responsibility and safety awareness is important, as the job involves handling large animals and machinery. Good teamwork skills are appreciated, especially when working with students and colleagues. Finally, flexibility and patience are valuable qualities, since workdays can vary and unexpected situations often occur in the stable environment.

Key facts about riding school workers

• Salary range: 27,000–32,500 SEK/month
• Gender salary difference: Women earn 94% of men's salary
• Education requirements: High school education in natural resource management, horse specialization
• Work environment: Physically demanding, outdoors-based, varied working hours
• Available jobs: Approximately 360 available positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a riding school worker, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as stable manager, riding instructor, or training coordinator within riding school operations. Further education can open doors to specialized positions in the equine industry, such as horse caretaker at competition stables or trainer in horse handling. The Swedish Employment Service’s forecast for the profession of breeders and caretakers of farm animals indicates continued good job prospects nationwide, with stable demand over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by many part-time workers and a shortage of experienced full-time employees, providing good opportunities for those flexible and seeking career development in the field.

Frequently asked questions about riding school workers

• What is the average salary of a riding school worker?
  - The average salary is 28 400 SEK per month.
• Are there gender salary differences?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 27 800 SEK, while men earn 29,700 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in natural resource management with a focus on horses, along with practical experience in stable work, is usually required.
• What is the job market like?
  - There are good employment opportunities, with about 360 available positions nationally.
• What tasks does a riding school worker perform?
  - Tasks include caring for horses, mucking out, feeding, maintaining stables, and assisting during riding lessons.
• How has salary development changed?
  - Salaries have increased from 27,200 SEK (2022) to 28 400 SEK (2023–2024), representing an increase of about 4.4%.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, many employers offer further training, and there are options to obtain professional certificates or certifications in horse care.