To be a riding instructor you have to be at least 18 years old. It's a responsible task and safety is a top priority. Horse riding is the eighth most dangerous sport in the world, so it is vital that instructors teach riding skills in the correct way.

You must be from a horse background. Students must be able to ride well before they go on an instructors' course and they must have a rapport with horses. It helps to compete in show jumping and other events, because you can't teach something you don't know.

Not everyone who can ride a horse can teach others how to ride or how to teach riding.

Qualifications needed: You need a South African National Equestrian Federation (Sanef) instructor's certificate, and you must be fluent in English, as the Sanef exams are conducted in English.

Where to train: Some riding schools offer training for instructors. You should look for a reputable riding school that has well trained horses and qualified instructors, and that the training programme is approved by Sanef.

Expected earnings: Earnings vary from one school to another, depending on size and location. The average salary is between R3 000 and R5 000 a month for qualified instructors, and up to R25 000 if you are at the very top of your profession.

Contact: Judy Louw on 021 790 3100.