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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JobTarget - Demo

Equine Afficianado

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $78K/yr

... therapeutic riding, etc.). Demonstrate superior horsemanship in groundwork and riding ... Certified Horseman, Advanced Riding Instructor, Equine Bodyworker, etc.) are highly desirable.

RFK Community Alliance

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Who We Seek Rein In a Dream (RIAD), our premier accredited therapeutic horsemanship center, is ... Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the ...

RFK Community

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Who We Seek Rein In a Dream (RIAD), our premier accredited therapeutic horsemanship center, is ... Provide lesson support to the riding instructor as a leader or side-walker * Assist with the ...

Hawaiian Style Surfing LLC

Surf Instructor

Koloa, HI · On-site

$1.2K - $3.0K/mo

ISA Surf Instructor Certification. * Lifeguard certification or professional ocean safety ... experience. * Experience teaching children and families. * Knowledge of Hawaiian surf etiquette ...

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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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Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Equestrian Instructor - Tues 4-8pm

Plainfield Park District

Plainfield, IL • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

Ready to saddle up and share your love of riding?
Join our team as a Riding Instructor and turn every lesson into an adventure! We’re looking for upbeat, passionate horse lovers who can create a positive, exciting experience for riders of all ages. Make a difference, have fun, and help others discover the joy of riding!


Hours are from 4pm-8pm Tuesdays.


GENERAL PURPOSE:

Responsible for providing quality riding lessons to participants.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides a friendly and positive riding experience for all students.
  • Ensures that a variety of learning experiences are offered to students, introducing new topics and exercises when appropriate.
  • Expected to schedule individual and group lessons to maximize daily work schedule; Eight (8) lesson slots per workday is required.
  • Works cohesively with other instructors, sharing of equipment and arena space.
  • Accountable for accurately completing student lesson paperwork, including release and information forms, record of attendance, payments and requests for non-payment. Notifies Manager of non-payment concerns.
  • Responsible for monitoring and assisting with student lessons; Assurance that safety and proper procedures are followed by students at all times according to Park District Policy.
  • Maintains an open channel of communication to the Equestrian Manager and informs of problems or potential problems (ie disruptive behavior, injuries, dangerous equipment) including undesirable behaviors; assists with documentation when necessary.
  • Accountable for proper rotation and use of lesson horses; adherence to safety and care of horses is of utmost importance.
  • Assists with training and correction of school horses at manager’s direction.
  • Maintains a professional appearance and attitude while performing duties and while on park premises.
  • May be required to assist at NTEC horse shows, when necessary.
  • Responsible for completing incident reports when accidents occur; must contact Manager immediately to notify of situations.
  • Performs all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Park District’s safety program.
  • Performs any additional related tasks as required.
Requirements:
  • Five (5) years practical experience as a rider/student; concentration in English, Western, Dressage, and/or Hunter/Jumper disciplines.
  • Instructor experience in Ground, Walk/Trot and Beginning Canter lessons.
  • High School diploma preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license preferred.
  • C.P.R., AED, and First Aid Certification required; or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire date.
  • Experienced instructing on individual and group levels preferred.
  • Must be able to work with participants of all age and skill categories.
  • Ability to follow direction and work independently.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

All part time employees receive a free membership to our pool or fitness center at no cost!


Apply