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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA

Educate participants on proper bike setup, riding form, and modifications to ensure a safe workout ... Certifications * Current Group Fitness certification (NASM, ACE, or ISSA preferred). * Specialty ...

Travel Physical Therapist

Everett, WA · On-site

$2.1K - $2.5K/wk

Provide therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, gait training, balance training, and functional ... including Certified Clinical Instructor (CI) guidance and assistance throughout the licensure ...

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor information

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 time for training, supervised teaching, and certification exams.

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 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.

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.
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Infographic showing various Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Wrangler/Horseback Riding Instructor

4000 ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE PAYROLL SVC

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

Each position employed with CYO Camps and Guest Services helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:

To lead and supervise activities at one or more of the following program areas: Horseback Riding.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES ALL SPECIALISTS:

  1. · Provide quality programming at the program area that reinforces the mission of CYO.
  2. · Maintain cleanliness at program area including equipment maintenance
  3. · Enforce camp rules and emergency procedures as needed
  4. · Prevent injuries and accidents by monitoring staff and camper behavior at your program area
  5. · Report unusual camper behavior including homesickness, injuries/illness, inappropriate conversations and behavior issues to your director.
  6. · Maintains first aid kit at program area and uses it as needed.
  7. · When not directly responsible for programming at their assigned program area helps out with lodge duties as assigned.
  8. · Receives on the job training and orientation in program area. Orients general camp staff during training to program area expectations.
  9. · All CYO Camp Staff are required to follow all covid-19 protocols and assist with implementing cleaning procedures as directed by the State Health Department and the CYO Camp Covid-19 plan.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES HORSEBACK RIDING SPECIALIST (WRANGLER):

  1. · Checks tack daily for fit and wear and tear before each ride.
  2. · Monitors horses for changes in behavior and condition and notifies the instructors immediately.
  3. · Helps feed the horses.
  4. · Assists with arena and ground lessons following the camp curriculum.
  5. · Constantly monitors camper interactions with horses to ensure safety.
  6. · Maintains the cleanliness of the corral.

    ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

    Primary:

    1. · Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
    2. · Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church.
    3. · A good example for youth in appearance, attitudes, as well as in moral, ethical and spiritual behavior.

    Education:

    1. · HS Diploma or significant qualifying experience.

    Experience:

    1. · Previous experience working with children.
    2. · Experience working and riding horses.
    3. · Experience working or volunteering in specialty.

    Other Elements:

    1. · Commitment to the mission and values of CYO.
    2. · Strong communication skills, verbal.
    3. · Ability to pass provided CPR/First aid training course.
    4. · Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and live on site in rustic facilities while programs are in session.
    5. · Must be at least 16 years of age.

    Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

    Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.