Equestrian tourism guide

Equestrian tourism guide
equestrian tourism guide
A good rider, the ATE (equestrian tourism guide) prepares the horses and equipment, and provides care. A guide, he organizes and leads outings on identified routes, depending on his clients (children, adults, disabled people). It introduces tourists to all the aspects (ecological, historical, economic, etc.) of the regions crossed. He works mainly between May and September, but can work full time in equestrian centers.

Professional life
The sector is on the rise
Equestrian tourism is growing slowly but surely. Also, the number of equestrian tourism leaders or guides is growing.
The sector is becoming more feminine
Formerly monopolized by men, the ATE profession has largely opened up to women, to the point that they now represent no less than two thirds of professionals in the field. To be considered as additional income, rather than the main household salary, due to the seasonality of the exercise.
The sector allows you to evolve
After having worked as a guide, this professional can become a riding instructor or teacher, master hiker, trainer of future professionals, etc. In all cases, he must pass the diploma corresponding to the desired activity and provide proof of some experience.
Beginner's salary
From the minimum wage.
Working conditions
On sunny days
During the high season, between April and September, the equestrian tourism guide does not have a 35-hour week. Far from there. He is trying to meet all requests to compensate for the winter drop in income. Also to build customer loyalty. He takes particular care in training his horses to make them compatible with all mounts, all riders, whatever the climate.
Diversify your skills
With the emergence of harnessed tourism, the ATE can evolve into the profession of equestrian tourism leader-accompanist. From a rider, he becomes the driver of a vehicle drawn by horses (a carriage, for example). The options are varied: simple walks, circuits, stops in equestrian lodges... The ATE can also become a horse riding instructor. In this case, he trains his students in basic horse riding techniques.
SKILLS
Sunday rider, abstain
Obviously, the ATE is first and foremost a good rider. To be able to practice, he must have a certain level of riding (gallop 5) and a certain experience of horseback riding. He must also know how to take care of horses before, during and after outings.
Listen and be listened to
To manage groups of different ages and levels, the ATE must evaluate the performance of each person. It must also create a friendly atmosphere. In some cases, mastery of a foreign language is recommended. He also knows how to establish himself as a leader to avoid any accident... human or animal.
The local ambassador
The ATE knows how to promote the landscapes it crosses with its customers in order to encourage them to return to the region. He has a good general, regional and local culture. Knowledge of ecology is also welcome to raise public awareness of respect for nature. He has a strong sense of direction and knows the routes taken perfectly.
Nature of the work
Organize outings
The ATE (equestrian tourism guide) supervises a group of amateur riders for one or more days. Before departure, he chooses a well-identified route, the one that will be best suited to the level of the group. Then he plans the steps and the storage of the equipment on site. In the event of an outing over several days, he can manage the accommodation of the riders and their mounts.
Bet on the right horse
The ATE selects the horses according to the profile of the riders and prepares them. Then he checks and adjusts the equipment (harness, saddles, etc.). It constitutes first aid kits, essential in the event of an accident. En route, he takes into account any difficulties encountered by riders and horses, while respecting the safety instructions specific to equestrian outings.
Discover nature
In addition to his passion for horses, this guide is the ideal leader to discover the regions crossed at his own pace. Educator and attentive to the group, he talks about the fauna and flora as well as the climate, architecture, culture and the local economy. Between hikes, the ATE helps maintain the stables and care for the horses.
Training to enter the profession
Several paths exist to become an equestrian tourism guide. The BAPAAT (professional aptitude certificate for assistant technician facilitator) horseback riding support and the CQP (certificate of professional qualification) facilitator care assistant mentioning equestrian tourism do not allow independent exercise. Their holders