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Equine Assisted Learning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Equine Assisted Learning information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$65.8K

$81.4K

How much do equine assisted learning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for equine assisted learning in California is $65,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is equine assisted learning?

An Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) job involves using guided interactions with horses to facilitate personal growth, learning, and development. Professionals in this field design activities that help individuals or groups improve skills such as communication, teamwork, and self-awareness. EAL practitioners work with a variety of clients, including children, veterans, corporate teams, and individuals with special needs. Unlike therapy, EAL focuses on experiential learning rather than mental health treatment. Typically, these professionals have backgrounds in education, coaching, or equine studies.

What skills and qualifications are needed for equine assisted learning?

To thrive in Equine Assisted Learning, you need a background in equine management, experience in experiential learning or education, and relevant certifications such as EAGALA or PATH Intl. advanced coursework. Familiarity with safety protocols, client documentation systems, and equine behavioral assessment tools is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to facilitate group dynamics are highly valued soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring client safety, providing meaningful learning experiences, and fostering positive interactions between participants and horses.

What does an equine assisted learning specialist do?

A typical day in Equine Assisted Learning may involve preparing horses and facilities for sessions, meeting with clients or groups, and facilitating experiential activities grounded in therapeutic or educational objectives. Practitioners often collaborate closely with mental health professionals, educators, or other facilitators to tailor sessions to the specific needs of participants. Responsibilities also include monitoring horse well-being, maintaining detailed session records, and sometimes engaging in outreach or program development. The role is dynamic and hands-on, with a balance of time spent outdoors with horses and indoors handling administrative or planning tasks. This variety offers a rewarding blend of animal care, personal interaction, and skill-building for both clients and staff.

What are popular job titles related to Equine Assisted Learning jobs in California? For Equine Assisted Learning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Equine Assisted Learning jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Equine Assisted Learning jobs in California are:
Equine Assisted Learning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equine Assisted Learning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,825 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Therapeutic Riding Instructors Needed!
Therapeutic Riding Instructor-(Path) Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
$24.00/hour
Part Time (PT about 24 hours per week) (Includes weekdays, weekends (Sun required), and holidays as needed)
Are you passionate about developing a rider's potential through the dedicated practice of learning to ride, control, and bond with horses? Do you have experience providing equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs? Is maintaining a PATH Int'l credentialed environment for riders, horses, instructors, and volunteers important to you? Then look no further, we have the opportunity for you!
There is nothing traditional about the service we provide to our community! As a Therapeutic Riding Instructor you will have a highly rewarding opportunity to help improve the lives of individuals each day! Helen Woodward Animal Center is one of only a handful of facilities in Southern California to be a certified member of PATH International.
This role is an ideal position for a registered-level instructor with PATH Int'l with several years' experience riding hours at an advanced level. The Therapeutic Riding Instructor opportunity will provide exposure to proper therapeutic techniques, Path Int'l safety standards, and building sincere connections within the San Diego community.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITES:
The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of riders, horses, and volunteers at all times during therapy sessions. This role will require an individual to be attentive, knowledgeable, and proactive towards a client's personal disabilities and behavioral tendencies.
The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is expected to prepare, coach to, and evaluate lesson plans in a manner consistent with the client's capabilities and progression. You may regularly be required to coordinate care with families, physical, and/or occupational therapists of your clients. As a part of this role you will also actively recruit and assist in the training of horse for the therapeutic program.
This role does not include managerial responsibilities, but you will lead and direct volunteers assisting with the program and therefore should promote a respect-first environment. A sense of teamwork is essential to success in this role. This individual should be willing and able to perform various therapeutic duties or customer interactions at any time with an energetic and professional spirit.
Ensure quality animal care and records are maintained in a manner that ensures accuracy, confidentiality, accessibility, and safe keeping.
Other requirements include:
  • Current PATH Intl. certification as registered-level instructor is required. Advanced or Mastery-level is preferred
  • At least 2 years of experience working or volunteering at a PATH Intl. Premiere Accredited Therapeutic Riding or Member Center
  • 3-5 years working with horses, advanced level of instructor-riding is preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in handling personnel concerns with urgency and professionalism
  • Reliable team player committed to building positive relationships and adapting to several roles and tasks when needed
  • Consistent record of attendance and punctuality
  • Solutions/results oriented and passionate about meeting individual and team goals
  • This position does require consistent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting bending, lifting and assisting children of young ages and reaching overhead. Candidates will spend up to 95% of the time working outdoors. This individual will be working in close proximity to animals therefore allergens and dander is present at all times
  • Driving duties are not a requirement in this role

Due to the nature of our clients and our work environment, a LiveScan fingerprint back ground check is required.
HWAC is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment for all of our employees and prospecting candidates.

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