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Equestrian Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist - Travel Contract

Decatur, TX ยท On-site

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Join Jackson Therapy Partners as a traveling Physical Therapist where you'll help patients recover ... Johnson National Grassland is about 25 miles east and offers hiking, camping, and equestrian trails ...

Physical Therapist - Travel Contract

Warwick, RI ยท On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Join Jackson Therapy Partners as a traveling Physical Therapist where you'll help patients recover ... Goddard Memorial State Park is approximately 20 minutes away with equestrian trails and golf, and ...

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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 Aug 22, 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 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.

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 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 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 can you do with an equestrian therapy degree?

An equestrian therapy degree prepares individuals to work as therapeutic riding instructors, equine-assisted therapists, or program coordinators in settings such as clinics, schools, or rehabilitation centers. Graduates often obtain certifications like PATH Intl. to enhance employment opportunities and may work with clients with physical, emotional, or developmental needs, utilizing skills in horse handling, therapy techniques, and client assessment.
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:

Infographic showing various Equestrian Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,078 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Programming Director - Equine Therapy - MS

EquiStaff

Nesbit, MS โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About the Facilityย 

This growing, multidisciplinary equestrian facility just across the border from Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking a Therapeutic Program Director to help bring an ambitious new vision to life. Operating under a 501(c)(3) mental-health foundation, the facility plans to develop comprehensive mounted and unmounted programming for children and adults with physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental-health needs, as well as veterans and individuals in addiction recovery.


The facility is already well into development, featuring 50 acres, three outdoor arenas, an indoor arena under construction, a 12-stall pole barn, and a competition barn in the works. This is a supportive, mission-driven organization looking for someone who shares the team's compassionate spirit and excitement for building something meaningful.


Job Description

Working under the overall Equestrian Director, the Therapeutic Program Director will design, fund, launch, and manage the facility's therapeutic programming. We are willing to entertain a variety of therapeutic certifications including PATH, CTRI, EAGALA, and others - and the Founder is willing to support this individual in any training/certification needed to fulfill their overall vision. This is a position for someone who is experienced, established, and knows how to build a therapeutic program from the ground up. This individual will collaborate closely with the Founder, Equestrian Director, Stable Manager, finance team, and community partners to build sustainable mounted and unmounted services.


This role will not oversee general stable operations, horse care, facility maintenance, or the broader equestrian staff. Instead, it will focus on program development and delivery, grant writing, fundraising, community partnerships, and management of professionals working within the therapeutic program.


Job Duties
Program Design and Execution
  • Design and implement mounted and unmounted programs serving individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental-health needs, including children, veterans, and individuals in addiction recovery.
  • Develop participant eligibility, intake, scheduling, documentation, safety, and outcome-measurement procedures.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend new or expanded services based on community needs, available funding, and organizational capacity.
Fundraising and Financial Development
  • Research funding opportunities and prepare grant applications, program narratives, budgets, renewals, and impact reports.
  • Collaborate with the Founder and finance team to develop sustainable program budgets, scholarship opportunities, and funding strategies.
  • Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other potential funding partners.
Collaboration and Community Partnerships
  • Work with the Equestrian Director and Stable Manager to coordinate appropriate horses, facilities, scheduling, equipment, and equestrian support for each program.
  • Develop partnerships and referral relationships with schools, veterans' organizations, healthcare providers, disability organizations, recovery programs, and behavioral-health professionals.
  • Represent and promote the therapeutic program through community outreach, presentations, donor events, and educational opportunities.
Therapeutic Team Management
  • Recruit, onboard, schedule, and manage counselors and other professionals working specifically within the therapeutic program.
  • Establish consistent expectations for documentation, confidentiality, participant communication, safety, and professional boundaries.
  • Ensure all personnel work within their education, training, credentials, and professional scope, including appropriate clinical supervision when required.
Program Administration
  • Track participation, outcomes, revenue, expenses, grant requirements, and other program performance indicators.
  • Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Founder, Equestrian Director, and finance team.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential program records and ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.

Job Requirements
  • Minimum five years of relevant experience in nonprofit programming, behavioral health, disability services, therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted services, education, fundraising, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience developing or managing programs, writing grants, fundraising, and collaborating across departments or community organizations.
  • Strong leadership, communication, budgeting, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, vulnerable populations, and the distinction between equine-assisted activities and licensed clinical treatment.
  • Collaborative, open minded teamwork and leadership style conducive to operating a therapeutic program adjacent to for-profit competitive riding disciplines.
  • Relevant degrees, clinical credentials, or therapeutic horsemanship certifications are welcomed but not required - support in place to gain additional certifications and training as needed.ย 
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($70,000+)
- 5 day work week
- Full health, life and disability insurance plans
- Paid Time Off (PTO) plan and Paid Holidays
- ย Possibility for Horse Boarding
-ย Additional benefits and bonus opportunities as program grows
Housing
No housing is currently provided - however existing staff is willing to help source quality accommodations for anyone looking to relocate. Housing in the local area is both affordable & present, stationed just 30min from Memphis, TN with quality whole-house rentals within 10min of the facility.
Education:Bachelor (BA, BS...)Employment Type: CONTRACTOR