Shining Hope Farms has three locations (Mt. Holly, Charlotte, and Conover, NC). All share the same mission which is to enable children and adults to achieve their full potential through the use of Equine Assisted Activities and therapies. These programs have been structured to serve individuals and groups with a variety of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, hypotonia, and many others. We have a Veterans program as well as mental health counseling services. Our clients find wellness, strength, and hope on the back of a horse. The three locations of Shining Hope Farms provide the same services and are capable of reaching more clients than at one farm. This expansion has proved beneficial by serving over 230 children and adults weekly in the counties where we operate.

Shining Hope Farms is seeking a PATH Intl Riding Instructor to grow the existing Equine Assisted Activities Program. Each location has wonderful amenities including: outdoor arenas/jump field, indoor/covered arena, cross-ties in barn for grooming, wash bay, well-fitting saddles and equipment for equines. Total of 32 sound horses and ponies are available for use and are some of the most exceptional teaching partners. The equine staff varies in experience and temperament, with most trained in Dressage, Eventing, and Hunter/Jumper. SHF offers a great working environment with high standards of safety, facility cleanliness, organized administration, and well-equipped equine care for conducting excellent services on-site. Shining Hope Farms is a PATH Intl Accredited Center.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Minimum of PATH Intl. Certified Level Riding Instructor (CTRI)
• Exceptional ability to multi-task and be a team leader in regards to working with staff, volunteers, clients, and equines. Must be able to remain calm and in charge during stressful situations.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have excellent people skills.
• Demonstrate safe and appropriate horse handling skills as well as riding skills.

Responsibilities: (shall include, but are not limited to)

• Contacting and scheduling new clients for the Equine Assisted Activities Program. Includes hosting on-site tours and collecting required documents.
• Maintaining client filing system to be up to date.
• Teaching horseback riding lessons to individuals with or without disabilities in accordance with safety guidelines set forth by PATH Intl. Understanding of basic balanced riding fundamentals are essential to the safety and well-being of rider and horse (United States Pony Club sets great standards in regards to these fundamentals).
• Pairing of rider with suitable equine partner for lessons based on safety first, temperament, personality, and experience.
• Coordinating appropriate equipment for rider and horse based on needs and goals.
• Communicating with office personnel when volunteers are necessary to conduct riding lessons properly, then maintaining contact with such individuals to continue the well-being of lesson program and volunteer sustainability.
• Recording of each client's documentation to include: rider profile, goals, individual session progress notes, etc.
• Helping in various administrative and coaching capacities for the SHF Inclusion Horse Show hosted by SHF as well as any other SHF horse-related events and fundraisers.

Shining Hope Farms is a great organization to work for. Feel free to check out the website at shininghopefarms.org to learn more. If this instructor position interests you, please email a brief cover letter about why you are interested in this job, your resume, and references. This position is open until job listing is fulfilled and this ad will be deleted.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Please describe your equine experience.

License/Certification:

• PATH CTRI certification? (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlotte, NC 28216: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person