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Equine Assisted Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rockford Park District

Equine Specialist

Rockford, IL · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Acts as the equine expert working in conjunction with a licensed contracted therapist for Equine Assisted psychotherapy to ensure program safety, the right selection of equine based on behaviors for ...

New

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

Equine Specialist

Rockford, IL · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Acts as the equine expert working in conjunction with a licensed contracted therapist for Equine Assisted psychotherapy to ensure program safety, the right selection of equine based on behaviors for ...

New

Rawhide Youth Services

Therapist

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

Provide individualized therapy services, including equine-assisted therapy, trauma-informed care, play therapy, and group therapy to youth and their families. * Continuous Growth: Engage in ongoing ...

Eliada Homes Inc

Outpatient Therapist

Asheville, NC · On-site

Clinicians also have the unique opportunity to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into sessions through access to our trained horses, experienced equine staff, and peaceful 300+ acre campus. Who We ...

Eliada Homes

Outpatient Therapist

Asheville, NC · On-site

Clinicians also have the unique opportunity to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into sessions through access to our trained horses, experienced equine staff, and peaceful 300+ acre campus. Who We ...

American Addiction Centers

Equine Therapist

MS · On-site

Responsibilities Job Summary This position involves the facilitation of Equine assisted therapy groups for all patients as well as skills assessments as part of the initial assessment process. The ...

Catapult

Equine Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

Our staff provides intensely personal and high contact programming that includes only the uppermost standards of literacy and academic tutoring, vocational training, and equine-assisted therapy ...

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All JobsEquine Assisted Therapy Jobs

Equine Assisted Therapy information

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How much do equine assisted therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine assisted therapy in the United States is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an equine assisted therapist?

To become an equine assisted therapist, you typically need a background in mental health, counseling, or therapy, along with specialized training in equine-assisted activities. Certification programs are available through organizations like the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) or the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), which often require completing coursework, supervised sessions, and adherence to ethical standards. Additionally, gaining experience working with horses and understanding equine behavior is beneficial for this role.

What is equine assisted therapy?

Equine Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between clients and horses to promote emotional, mental, and physical healing. This type of therapy may include activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, and sometimes riding horses, all under the guidance of a trained therapist. It is used to help individuals dealing with a range of challenges, such as anxiety, PTSD, autism, and behavioral issues. The unique bond formed with the horse can help clients develop trust, self-confidence, communication skills, and emotional regulation. Equine Assisted Therapy is facilitated by professionals with specialized training in both mental health and horsemanship.

What is the difference between Equine Assisted Therapy vs Equine Therapist?

AspectEquine Assisted TherapyEquine Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in therapy and equine-assisted activitiesRequires equine therapy certification and mental health credentials
Work EnvironmentTherapy sessions involving clients and horses, often in clinics or outdoor settingsConducts therapy sessions with clients, focusing on mental health and emotional well-being
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, and educational settingsPrimarily in mental health and therapeutic contexts involving horses

Equine Assisted Therapy involves structured therapeutic sessions using horses to promote healing, requiring both therapy and equine certifications. An Equine Therapist specifically focuses on providing mental health therapy with horses, often holding mental health credentials alongside equine training. While both roles work in similar environments and industries, Equine Assisted Therapy emphasizes the therapeutic process, whereas Equine Therapist centers on mental health treatment with horses.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an equine assisted therapist?

To thrive as an Equine Assisted Therapist, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, paired with specific training or certification in equine-assisted therapy methods. Familiarity with equine behavior, safety protocols, and therapy frameworks such as EAGALA or PATH International is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with both clients and horses are essential soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring client safety, building therapeutic rapport, and achieving positive outcomes through equine-assisted interventions.

What are common challenges faced by equine assisted therapy practitioners when working with clients and horses?

Equine Assisted Therapy practitioners often encounter challenges such as managing the unpredictability of horse behavior while ensuring client safety and comfort. Building trust between clients and horses can require patience and flexibility, especially when clients have little or no experience with animals. Additionally, practitioners must balance therapeutic goals with the welfare and needs of the horses, collaborating closely with other mental health professionals and equine specialists. These challenges require strong communication, adaptability, and continuous learning.
More about Equine Assisted Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Equine Assisted Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Equine Assisted Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equine Assisted Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Equine Assisted Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Equine Assisted Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Equine Assisted Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equine Assisted Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equine Assisted Therapy jobs are:
Equine Assisted Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equine Assisted Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,535 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Equine Therapy - Licensed Therapist

Southeastern Integrated Care LLC

Pembroke, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

What if therapy didn’t happen across a desk… but beside a horse?
You’ve seen the limits of traditional therapy.
You know that sometimes, progress doesn’t come from words alone.
Sometimes it comes from the connection.
From presence.
From experiences that help clients feel safe enough to open up.
If you’re a licensed clinician who believes in innovative, experiential approaches to healing—this is your opportunity to lead that work.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced Licensed Therapist to step into a role within our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy program.
In this role, you won’t just provide therapy—you’ll help shape a program that integrates clinical expertise with equine-assisted methods to create meaningful, lasting change.
You’ll work alongside an Equine Specialist, co-facilitating sessions using structured models while ensuring each interaction has clear clinical purpose and impact .
What You’ll Do (The Impact You’ll Make)
Clinical Leadership & Therapy
  • Provide individual therapy and clinical interventions for clients with MH/SA needs
  • Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and guide ongoing care
  • Integrate equine-assisted psychotherapy into clinical sessions
  • Deliver psychoeducation and support for clients and families
Program & Care Coordination
  • Lead and oversee Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) and service delivery
  • Coordinate care, referrals, and transitions across service levels
  • Monitor outcomes and ensure services are effective and compliant
  • Participate in on-call response and crisis coordination
Collaboration & Program Development
  • Partner with Equine Specialists to co-facilitate therapeutic sessions
  • Contribute to the growth and development of the equine therapy program
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care
  • Maintain timely documentation and compliance with Medicaid/state standards
Who This Role Is For
This role is designed for clinicians who:
  • Are passionate about animal-assisted and experiential therapies
  • Want to move beyond traditional settings into more dynamic, relationship-based work
  • Are confident in their clinical judgment and ready to take on greater leadership responsibility
  • Value collaboration, innovation, and meaningful client outcomes
Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in a Human Services-related field
  • Active or provisional NC license (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LPA, etc.)
  • Minimum 1 year post-graduate clinical experience with MH/SA populations
  • Interest in or experience with equine-assisted therapy (training provided if needed)
  • Strong clinical, documentation, and communication skills
Work Environment
This isn’t a traditional office setting.
You’ll be working:
  • Outdoors and in a barn environment
  • Alongside horses and in varying weather conditions
  • In a setting that requires flexibility, movement, and presence
If you’re looking for a desk job—this isn’t it.
If you’re looking for impact—this is.
Why This Role Matters
The clients you’ll serve don’t always respond to conventional therapy.
But in the right environment—with the right support—change becomes possible.
This role allows you to:
  • Practice therapy in a more engaging and impactful way
  • Be part of a growing, innovative program
  • Help clients build trust, regulation, and resilience in new ways
Ready to Do Work That Feels Different?
If you’re ready to bring your clinical skills into a setting that challenges and inspires you—we encourage you to apply.