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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Colorado

StableStrides

Program Manager and CTRI

Elbert, CO

$20 - $25/hr

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor StableStrides is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization whose mission is to significantly improve lives through ...

Denver

Adaptive Recreation Instructor

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29/hr

In addition to class time, instructors receive additional paid hours for planning, set-up, and ... Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification? Consider applying for our ...

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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor information

What is a certified therapeutic riding instructor?

A Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor is a professional who is trained and credentialed to teach horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. They use equine-assisted activities to help improve participants’ physical strength, coordination, confidence, and social skills. These instructors are certified by organizations such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), which ensures they meet high standards for safety, instruction, and knowledge of working with diverse populations. Their primary role is to create individualized lesson plans, ensure the safety of riders, and facilitate a positive therapeutic experience with horses.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a certified therapeutic riding instructor?

To thrive as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, you need a deep understanding of equine management, adaptive riding techniques, and therapeutic principles, usually backed by PATH Intl. certification or similar credentials. Familiarity with safety protocols, horse tack, and adaptive equipment is essential, as well as experience maintaining lesson records and progress reports. Strong communication, patience, and empathy are crucial for building rapport with riders of varying abilities and collaborating with families and healthcare professionals. These skills ensure a safe, supportive, and effective environment that fosters the physical and emotional development of participants.

What are common challenges faced by certified therapeutic riding instructors and how can they be managed?

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting lesson plans to meet the diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each rider. Maintaining safety for both participants and horses, while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, is also a key responsibility. Effective communication and collaboration with occupational therapists, volunteers, and caregivers are crucial for success. Ongoing professional development and peer networking can help instructors stay current with best practices and manage these challenges proactively.

What is the difference between Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor vs Certified Riding Instructor?

AspectCertified Therapeutic Riding InstructorCertified Riding Instructor
CertificationsSpecialized in therapeutic riding, often requiring additional certifications in adaptive riding and therapeutic techniquesFocuses on general riding skills, certifications like USPC or PATH Certified Riding Instructor
Work EnvironmentTherapeutic riding centers, clinics, hospitals, working with individuals with disabilitiesEquestrian centers, riding schools, general riding lessons for all ages
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in therapeutic and rehabilitation settings, equine therapy programsCommon in recreational riding, competitive riding, and general equestrian education

The main difference is that Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors specialize in working with individuals with disabilities and have additional training in therapeutic techniques. Certified Riding Instructors focus on general riding skills and are employed in broader equestrian settings. Both roles require certification, but the therapeutic instructor's training emphasizes adaptive riding and therapy-specific skills.

How long does it take to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor?

Becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor typically requires completing a training program that lasts from several days to several weeks, depending on the certifying organization. Candidates usually need to gain experience working with horses and individuals with disabilities, and pass written and practical assessments to earn certification. The process can take several months to a year, including prerequisite experience and training hours.

How to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor?

To become a certified therapeutic riding instructor, you typically need to complete a specialized training program through a recognized certifying organization, such as PATH International, which includes coursework, practical teaching experience, and assessments. Additionally, CPR and first aid certifications are often required, and ongoing education helps maintain certification standards.

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For Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado are:

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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Program Manager and CTRI

StableStrides

Elbert, CO

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

StableStrides is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization whose mission is to significantly improve lives through a connection with horses. We are a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and the oldest center of our kind in Southern Colorado. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Program Manager to lead our programs into their next phase of growth and impact.

The Program Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the coordination and administration of all StableStrides programs. These programs include, but are not limited to: Adaptive Riding, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy services (aka Hippotherapy), Mental Health, and Learning, Leadership, and Growth services (aka Equine Assisted Learning).

Position: Full-time, non-exempt, Monday–Friday with occasional evenings/weekends for trainings/events; reports to Executive Director.


Salary: $20-$25/hour, depending on qualifications, with optional medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and retirement, as well as paid holidays and PTO.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead overall strategy, planning, and implementation of StableStrides programs.

  • Partner with fundraising and leadership teams to align program growth with organizational sustainability.

  • Strategize, plan, and implement programs that effectively meet community needs and client goals, adhering to PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation standards.

  • Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and lead instructors and instructors-in-training, fostering a supportive, team culture.

  • Provide 5–25 hours of direct client services per program week, depending on program size and need; assist in classes when substitutes are not available.

  • Steward program resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, records, supplies, capital) to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Success Measures

  • Design and run efficient, effective programs where at least 80% of clients achieve their goals.

  • Manage and oversee program budgets so net program revenue remains within the annual budget.

  • Ensure a high-quality client experience, with at least 90% of adaptive services clients reporting high satisfaction.

  • Foster instructor retention and satisfaction, aiming for 95% of staff reporting high satisfaction with the Program Manager.

 

Qualifications

  • REQUIRED: PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (Advanced level instructor is a plus)

  • PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification, preferred

  • 3+ years’ experience leading instructor teams and program management

  • 5+ years’ experience instructing at a PATH center

  • Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of disabilities, precautions/contraindications, and adaptive riding teaching techniques

  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills

  • Excellent computer skills with experience with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and preferred experience with Salesforce 

 

Working Environment

This role includes both office and equine-facility environments, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

StableStrides is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Candidates may be subject to background screening and a pre-employment drug screen.