ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCertified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs

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.

How much do equestrian therapists make?

Certified therapeutic riding instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, hours worked, and whether they are employed by organizations or operate independently.

What is the most paid equine job?

The highest-paid equine jobs typically include specialized roles such as equine surgeons, professional horse trainers, and high-level show riders, with salaries often exceeding six figures for experienced professionals. Certifications, extensive experience, and working with elite or competitive horses can significantly increase earning potential in these roles.

What is the 20% rule in horseback riding?

The 20% rule in horseback riding, including therapeutic riding instruction, suggests that riders should not increase their riding time or intensity by more than 20% per week to prevent injury and promote gradual skill development. For certified therapeutic riding instructors, understanding this principle helps ensure safe, effective training sessions for clients with varying abilities.

How much do path riding instructors make?

Certified therapeutic riding instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, location, and the type of facility. Many work part-time or on a seasonal basis, and additional income can come from private lessons or specialized programs.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and why are they important?

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 some 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.
More about Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs are:
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs near you
Registered Riding Instructor

Registered Riding Instructor

Hospital for Special Care

Middletown, CT • On-site

Per diem

Posted 11 days ago

Hospital for Special Care rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

354th of 999 rated hospitals

Job description

Position Location:
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:
0Work Shift:
Second ShiftDepartment:
Manes and Motions Riding Center
We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
  • Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
  • Required: First Aid Certification.
  • Required: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
  • Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY
  • Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
  • Sit 0-20% of each shift.
  • Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
  • Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
  • Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
  • Grasp with both hands on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
  • Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS
  • Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
  • Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required. A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
  • Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
  • Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
  • Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS
  • Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs. There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments. There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III). Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
  • Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
  • Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
  • Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
  • Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
  • Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
  • Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
  • Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.

What Hospital for Special Care employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply