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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Walk On

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Barrington, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Walk On in Barrington, IL is looking for a passionate and dedicated Therapeutic Riding Instructor ... PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification preferred or ...

Walk On

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Barrington, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Walk On in Barrington, IL is looking for a passionate and dedicated Therapeutic Riding Instructor ... PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification preferred or ...

Walk On

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Barrington, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Walk On in Barrington, IL is looking for a passionate and dedicated Therapeutic Riding Instructor ... PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification preferred or ...

CELTS Aquatics Group

Swim Instructor - SRA

Matteson, IL

$15.50 - $20/hr

Prior work or experience or education in special education, therapeutic recreation, occupational ... Certifications: Will train the right candidate and certify in CELTS Adaptive Swim program. * Soft ...

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All JobsCertified Therapeutic Riding Instructor JobsCertified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Walk On

Barrington, IL • On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
Walk On in Barrington, IL is looking for a passionate and dedicated Therapeutic Riding Instructor to join their team! This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through the healing power of horses. If you're driven by purpose and love equine-assisted therapy, we want to hear from you. We are open to part or full time.

Responsibilities:
  • Plan, develop, and deliver therapeutic riding lessons tailored to each rider's individual needs and goals
  • Assess rider progress and adjust lesson plans to support physical, cognitive, and emotional development
  • Ensure the safety of all riders, volunteers, and horses during sessions
  • Maintain accurate documentation of rider evaluations, session notes, and progress reports
  • Select and evaluate appropriate horses for therapeutic riding programs
  • Train, supervise, and coordinate volunteers during lessons
  • Collaborate with occupational, physical, and speech therapists to support integrated treatment goals
Requirements:
  • PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification preferred or willingness to obtain
  • Prior experience in therapeutic riding, equine-assisted activities, or adaptive horsemanship
  • Strong horsemanship skills and experience working with a variety of horse breeds and temperaments
  • Ability to work with individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities
  • CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Excellent communication, patience, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to horse care
About Us:
Walk On is a trusted therapeutic horsemanship program based in the beautiful equestrian community of Barrington, IL, dedicated to transforming lives through equine-assisted activities. Our riders and their families love us for our compassionate, individualized approach and the incredible bonds formed between people and horses. Our team is passionate, supportive, and united by a shared mission to empower every individual who walks through our barn doors.