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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Dallas, TX

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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 Dallas, TX, 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 Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Equestrian Center Wranglers & Instructors

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Employment Application
YMCA Camp Carter is a beautiful 360-acre year-round summer camp located right in the heart of Fort Worth, TX. At camp, we offer 11 weeks of care that runs from Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, August 7th with an exciting variety of camp options to please every kind of camper at every age! Our traditional multi-activity camp provides options like STEM, arts, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, and more! In our shoulder season, we offer Groups & Retreats, Conferences, Events, Equestrian Programs, Outdoor Education Field Trips, Family Camps, Holiday Camps, and much more. Learn more about Camp Carter in this quick video: https://youtu.be/ZoxPalxUmic?si=4Q_WrrMjBozWsq0e
Job Description
YMCA Camp Carter is seeking skilled and enthusiastic Equestrian Center Wranglers & Riding Instructors to join our team. This part-time position supports the daily operation of the Equestrian Center, providing horseback riding instruction, horse care, and supervision for camp programs, group retreats, and other guests.
Wranglers & Instructors help campers and guests build confidence, develop riding skills, and form positive connections with horses in a safe, supportive environment. This role is perfect for individuals with a passion for horses, teaching, and youth development.
Responsibilities
  • Lead horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for campers and guests of varying skill levels.
  • Assist with horse care, including feeding, grooming, tacking, and stall maintenance.
  • Ensure the safety of riders and horses by enforcing proper safety procedures and guidelines.
  • Provide positive instruction and role modeling to participants.
  • Support Equestrian Center operations, including cleaning, organizing tack and equipment, and facility upkeep.
  • Assist with special events, summer camps, and group programming as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Program Team to ensure high-quality guest experiences.

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Previous horseback riding experience required; teaching experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of horse care, stable management, and safety practices.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and group management skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, evenings, and occasional weekends.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work outdoors in varying weather, and handle horses safely.
  • Certification in riding instruction, equine safety, or first aid a plus; training provided if needed.

Benefits of Working at the Y
  • Free YMCA membership for part-time staff.
  • Work outdoors in a beautiful, team-oriented, mission-driven environment.
  • Discounts on YMCA programs and childcare.
  • Professional development and training opportunities, including equestrian-specific skills.
  • Be part of a team that provides life-changing experiences for youth and families.

Pay Rate: $12-14.00/hour (based on experience)
Location: YMCA Camp Carter - 6200 Sand Springs Road, Fort Worth, TX 76114
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonable association duties and will be responsible for implementation of the policies, procedures and standards established by the Metropolitan Board, the branch Board of Managers and the Association Leadership. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised at the discretion of management. This job description is not a written or implied contract.

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