Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)
Any of these strengthens your application.
Where this can take you
With experience, you could supervise junior staff and train other riding instructors. You could take advanced qualifications like a Level 4 Certificate in Horse Care and Management, or a degree in Equine Business Management, to run your own riding school, pony trekking centre or riding holiday company. You could become a head or senior instructor, a competition judge, or move into centre management. You might also become self-employed and work freelance with several centres, or coach professional riders. As an experienced instructor, you could apply for the IGEQ Equestrian Passport, which can help if you want to teach horse riding abroad.