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Equestrian Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woods Services

Animal Therapy Specialist

Langhorne, PA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Coordinates the Summer Equestrian Program including securing appropriate horses, staffing, and all scheduling with day programs and residential. * Educates staff and residents about all safety ...

Jackson Therapy Partners

Travel Physical Therapist

Ocala, FL · On-site

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

Therapy * Start Date: 07/27/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... The World Equestrian Center is in Ocala and hosts major equestrian events, and downtown Ocala ...

Heritage Schools, Inc.

Equine Instructor

Provo, UT · On-site

Working alongside therapists and the Equestrian Manager, the instructor helps students build confidence, responsibility, and emotional growth through meaningful interactions with horses. Core ...

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Equestrian Therapy information

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$7

$24

$54

How much do equestrian therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for equestrian therapy in the United States is $24.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Equestrian Therapy vs Equine-Assisted Activities Coordinator?

AspectEquestrian TherapyEquine-Assisted Activities Coordinator
CredentialsTherapeutic riding certification, healthcare or therapy backgroundEquine activity certification, event planning experience
Work EnvironmentTherapy sessions with clients, clinics, therapy centersEvent venues, stables, community programs
Industry UsageHealthcare, therapy, rehabilitationRecreation, community outreach, education

Equestrian Therapy focuses on therapeutic riding to improve clients' physical and mental health, often requiring healthcare credentials. In contrast, an Equine-Assisted Activities Coordinator organizes equine-related events and programs, emphasizing recreation and community engagement. Both roles involve working with horses but serve different purposes and client needs.

What are some common challenges faced by equestrian therapists when working with clients?

Equestrian therapists often encounter challenges such as adapting therapy sessions to meet the diverse physical and emotional needs of clients, ensuring the safety of both the participant and the horse, and maintaining clear communication between multidisciplinary team members. Another common challenge is managing the unpredictable behavior of horses, which requires therapists to be highly attentive and flexible in their approach. Building trust with clients, especially those with anxiety or trauma, can also take time but is crucial for successful therapy outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equestrian Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equestrian Therapist, you need a background in psychology, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, combined with specialized training or certification in equine-assisted therapy. Familiarity with therapy protocols, safety procedures, and experience handling horses are essential, often supported by certifications from organizations like PATH International. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients of all ages stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for providing safe, effective therapeutic experiences that promote both physical and emotional well-being for clients.

What is equestrian therapy?

Equestrian therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or hippotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses interactions with horses to promote physical, emotional, and psychological healing. It is often used to help individuals with physical disabilities, autism, PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges. During sessions, clients may ride, groom, or care for horses under the guidance of a licensed therapist and a horse handler. The movement of the horse can help improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, while the bond formed with the animal can support emotional growth and confidence. Equestrian therapy programs are tailored to each individual's specific needs and therapeutic goals.
More about Equestrian Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Equestrian Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Equestrian Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Equestrian Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Equestrian Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equestrian Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equestrian Therapy jobs are:
Equestrian Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equestrian Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,078 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Animal Therapy Specialist

Animal Therapy Specialist

Woods Services

Langhorne, PA • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Woods Services rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 716 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
We want you to join our team! We need deeply compassionate, committed, and highly talented staff. The Woods organization is guided by their mission to support children and adults with disabilities or challenges to achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • PTO - Paid time off
  • On-site medical center
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Continuing education programs
  • Tuition-assistance program
  • Career growth opportunities

Salary: Starting at $16.50 / hour - depending on education / experience
Job Summary
Leads the animal therapy programs as assigned.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • Plans and implements all animal related activities and animal therapy sessions. Provides animal related lessons and activities to day programs and residential programs.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with various therapeutic organizations. Develops new relationships and collaborations to expand the summer equestrian program.
  • Coordinates the Summer Equestrian Program including securing appropriate horses, staffing, and all scheduling with day programs and residential.
  • Educates staff and residents about all safety protocols while riding/interacting with horses, therapy dogs, etc. Provides a variety of animal care classes for residents.
  • Apply for grant monies to ensure the growth of a year round equestrian program.
  • Responsible for the safety of clients and staff while participating in equestrian and animal related activities.
  • Horse maintenance (i.e. feeding, brushing, cleaning, etc.)
  • Maintains horse corral. Maintains tack and equipment. Responsible for keeping horse corral secured at all times.
  • Performs all other duties assigned.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Completion of some college courses in Human services or one year experience with developmentally disabled people preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years experience and extensive knowledge of horses required.
  • Knowledge of maintaining and grooming horse corral and horses required.
  • Knowledge and recognition of immediate health concerns, exhaustion, and change in temperament of horses required.
  • Must be agile, physically pursue clients on foot, physically restrain, bend, squat, stretch, reach, push up and stand for several hours at a time.
  • Must be able to read, write, enter dates and follow verbal/written directions, prepare written reports and complete written forms in English.
  • Must be able to verbally communicate in English and direct clients, respond to client needs.
  • Must be 18 years of age and must be able to verbally communicate emergency information in English over the phone.

About Woods Services
Woods Services is a Pennsylvania and New Jersey-based non-profit population health network and advocacy organization that along with its six affiliate organizations provides life-long innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, child welfare, behavioral and brain trauma public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.
Our Langhorne campus is home to 550 residents and provides outpatient and day programs.

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