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Equine Assisted Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Newton, IL · On-site

$38.50 - $50.75/hr

Additional opportunity to participate in equine-assisted therapy and community engagement programs are available. You would be part of a collaborative team of professionals who are passionate about ...

Additional opportunity to participate in equine-assisted therapy and community engagement programs are available. You would be part of a collaborative team of professionals who are passionate about ...

Occupational Therapist

Newton, IL · On-site

$38.50 - $50.75/hr

Additional opportunity to participate in equine-assisted therapy and community engagement programs are available. You would be part of a collaborative team of professionals who are passionate about ...

... assisted therapy. This position provides therapeutic support with an equine component and will work closely with the equine and maintenance team. Pay for position starts at $28.00 per hour, and ...

... assisted therapy. This position provides therapeutic support with an equine component and will work closely with the equine and maintenance team. Pay for position starts at $28.00 per hour, and ...

... assisted therapy. This position provides therapeutic support with an equine component and will work closely with the equine and maintenance team. Pay for position starts at $28.00 per hour, and ...

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Equine Assisted Therapy information

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How much do equine assisted therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.

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 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.

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.

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. Experience working with horses and strong interpersonal skills are also important for success in this field.
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What states have the most Equine Assisted Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Equine Assisted Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Equine Assisted 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 $45,535 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Outpatient Therapist

Eliada Homes

Asheville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

** $1,000-dollar sign-on bonus
We are seeking a dedicated and clinically driven Outpatient Therapist to join our growing counseling center in a full-time role with benefits. This position provides the opportunity to deliver meaningful therapeutic services in a supportive, mission-focused environment while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team committed to client success.
At Eliada, therapists are empowered to focus on clinical care while receiving strong administrative and organizational support. 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 Are
Eliada Homes has been serving children and families in Western North Carolina since 1903 and is one of Asheville's longest-running nonprofits. Our expansive campus provides a cradle-to-career continuum of services for more than 600 children and youth annually.
Our new outpatient counseling center expands Eliada's commitment to accessible, trauma-informed, and innovative behavioral health services for the community.
What You'll Do
  • Provide individual, family, and/or group therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other required clinical documentation in a timely manner.
  • Maintain ethical and professional standards in accordance with licensing board requirements and organizational policies.
  • Collaborate with families, referral sources, care teams, and community partners to support client progress.
  • Participate in case consultations, team meetings, trainings, and supervision as appropriate.
  • Utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches.
  • Optionally integrate equine-assisted therapy interventions into treatment sessions.
  • Support a positive, client-centered therapeutic environment.

What We Offer
  • Full-time salaried position with benefits
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement plan options
  • Clinical supervision for associate-level clinicians
  • Administrative and billing support
  • Flexible scheduling opportunities
  • Supportive and collaborative team culture
  • Beautiful healing environment on a historic campus
  • Opportunity to incorporate experiential and equine-assisted therapies

Requirements
Active North Carolina clinical license or associate-level license required:
LCMHC / LCMHCA
LCSW / LCSWA
LMFT / LMFTA
Or equivalent licensure
  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related field
  • Experience working with children, adolescents, and families preferred
  • Strong clinical, communication, and organizational skills
  • Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care

Equal Opportunity Employer
Eliada Homes provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Disclaimer Clause:
Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. They are meant to be accurate reflections of the principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions. This position description is not intended as a contract. A Letter of Employment confirms employment. North Carolina is an at-will employment state and Eliada is an at-will employer.

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About Eliada Homes

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a non-profit agency in Asheville that provides a cradle to career continuum of services for over 400 children and youth annually. This includes our 5-Star Child Development Center (child care, prek, afterschool, and summer camp), Residential and Day Treatment mental health programs, Foster Care services, and Workforce Development programming. Established in 1903, we have been helping children succeed for almost 120 years.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US

Year founded

1903

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