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Equine Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summit BHC

Equine Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Cottonwood De Tucson, Inc.

$65 - $90/hr

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Cottonwood De Tucson, Inc.

Equine Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Summit BHC

Equine Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Summit BHC

Equine Therapist

Cottonwood, AZ

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Cottonwood Tucson, Inc.

Equine Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, ArizonaAbout the Job:PURPOSE STATEMENT:The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted ...

Summit BHC

Equine Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

Summit BHC

$55 - $75/hr

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic ...

American Addiction Centers

Equine Therapist

Etta, MS · On-site

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 position will ...

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 ...

Acadia Healthcare

PRN Equine Therapist

Ocklawaha, FL

$28/hr

Position Overview The Equine Therapist plays a central role in supporting clients through their healing journey through the use of equine assisted therapy. This position provides therapeutic support ...

Acadia Healthcare

PRN Equine Therapist

Ocklawaha, FL · On-site

$28/hr

Position Overview The Equine Therapist plays a central role in supporting clients through their healing journey through the use of equine assisted therapy. This position provides therapeutic support ...

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Equine Therapist information

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$51K

$57.5K

$64.5K

How much do equine therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for equine therapist in the United States is $57,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an equine therapist do?

An Equine Therapist works with horses to improve their physical and emotional well-being through therapeutic techniques such as massage, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises. They may collaborate with veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners to develop treatment plans for injuries, stress relief, or performance enhancement. Equine Therapists use knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and therapy methods to support a horse's overall health and mobility.

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

To thrive as an Equine Therapist, you need a solid understanding of equine behavior, therapy techniques, and often a background in psychology, social work, or physical therapy. Certification through organizations like the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) or American Hippotherapy Association is typically required, along with familiarity with safety protocols and specialized adaptive equipment. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with both clients and team members help you excel in this role. These skills ensure the safe, compassionate, and effective facilitation of therapy sessions that support client progress and well-being.

What does a typical day look like for an equine therapist?

A typical day for an Equine Therapist involves planning and conducting equine-assisted therapy sessions tailored to individual client goals, which may include physical, emotional, or developmental objectives. You will work closely with horses, clients (often children or adults with special needs), and sometimes other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists or mental health counselors. Duties also include monitoring horse behavior, maintaining safety standards, and documenting client progress. Sessions may be held outdoors or in indoor riding arenas, making the role physically active and hands-on. Collaboration, adaptability, and ongoing learning are important aspects of the daily work environment.

What can you do with an equine therapist degree?

An equine therapist degree prepares individuals to work with horses in therapeutic settings, providing physical, emotional, or psychological support through equine-assisted activities. Graduates can work as equine therapists, riding instructors, or in equine rehabilitation centers, often requiring certification and knowledge of horse behavior and therapy techniques.
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Equine Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equine Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,499 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Equine Therapist

Summit BHC

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Equine Therapist | Cottonwood Tucson | Tucson, Arizona
About the Job:
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Equine Therapist is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating equine-assisted therapeutic
interventions that support patients receiving behavioral health and/or substance use disorder treatment.
Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Equine Therapist utilizes evidenceinformed, trauma-informed, and experiential therapeutic techniques to promote emotional regulation,
personal growth, recovery, resilience, communication, and healthy coping skills. The role is responsible for
maintaining a safe therapeutic environment for patients, staff, and horses while ensuring all clinical activities
align with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in equine-assisted services.
Roles and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Therapeutic Program Delivery (Deliver safe, effective, and clinically appropriate equine-assisted therapeutic interventions)
  • Facilitate individual and group equine-assisted therapy sessions that align with each patient's treatment goals and level of care.
  • Utilize equine-assisted activities to promote emotional regulation, self-awareness, communication, trust, accountability, and recovery skills.
  • Modify therapeutic interventions based on patient presentation, clinical needs, safety considerations, and treatment progress.
  • Integrate trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and evidence-informed practices throughout all therapeutic interactions.
  • Evaluate patient participation and therapeutic outcomes to support individualized treatment planning.

Clinical Collaboration & Treatment Planning (Integrate equine therapy into the patient's overall clinical care)
  • Collaborate with physicians, therapists, nursing staff, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team to coordinate patient care.
  • Participate in treatment team meetings and provide clinical observations, recommendations, and patient progress updates.
  • Contribute to individualized treatment plans by incorporating measurable equine-assisted therapy objectives and interventions.
  • Communicate patient safety concerns, behavioral observations, and significant clinical changes to the treatment team in a timely manner.
  • Support continuity of care through coordinated communication across disciplines.

Patient Safety, Risk Management & Horse Welfare (Ensure a safe therapeutic environment for patients, staff, and horses)
  • Maintain a safe environment by adhering to all organizational safety protocols, infection prevention standards, and equine handling procedures.
  • Assess patient readiness for participation and intervene appropriately when safety concerns arise.
  • Monitor horse behavior and physical condition before, during, and after therapeutic activities to ensure animal welfare and suitability for treatment sessions.
  • Inspect arenas, equipment, tack, and therapy environments to maintain safe operating conditions.
  • Report accidents, injuries, behavioral incidents, or safety concerns promptly and participate in corrective actions when appropriate.

Documentation, Compliance & Clinical Quality (Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards)
  • Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Document patient participation, therapeutic interventions, progress toward treatment goals, and clinical recommendations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and protect patient information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
  • Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, accreditation activities, and regulatory reviews as requested.
  • Maintain required certifications, continuing education, and professional competencies applicable to equine-assisted therapy and behavioral healthcare.

Program Development, Education & Professional Excellence (Support the growth, quality, and sustainability of the equine therapy program)
  • Assist with developing and enhancing equine-assisted therapy programming that supports organizational treatment objectives.
  • Educate patients, families, staff, and community partners regarding the therapeutic value and appropriate use of equine-assisted interventions.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on behavioral health treatment modalities, equine-assisted therapy practices, and industry standards.
  • Partner with leadership to evaluate program effectiveness through patient outcomes, satisfaction, participation, and quality metrics.
  • Foster a therapeutic environment that reflects the organization's mission, values, and commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Education
  • Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related Behavioral Health discipline from an accredited institution preffered
  • Specialized training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine-Assisted Learning.
  • Advanced coursework in trauma-informed care, experiential therapy, addiction treatment, or behavioral health preferred

Experience
  • Required
    • Two (2) years of clinical experience providing behavioral health, substance use disorder, or mental health services.
    • Experience facilitating individual and group therapy.
    • Experience working within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
    • Experience completing clinical documentation within an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Preferred
    • Three to five (3-5) years of behavioral healthcare experience.
    • Experience within residential treatment, inpatient behavioral health, or addiction treatment.
    • Experience utilizing equine-assisted therapy as part of a treatment program.
    • Experience treating adolescents and/or adult populations.
    • Experience working within trauma-informed treatment environments.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Required
    • Current unrestricted clinical license (LPC, LMHC, LCSW, LMSW where applicable, LMFT, Psychologist, or equivalent) as required by state regulations.
    • Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
  • Preferred
    • EAGALA Mental Health Professional Certification.
    • PATH International credential or comparable equine-assisted therapy certification.
    • CPI, Handle with Care, or other approved behavioral crisis intervention certification.

WORK LOCATION:
This position is on-site and is not a remote position.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
Individual Contributor
Why Cottonwood Tucson?Cottonwood Tucson offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Cottonwood Tucson is an EOE.
Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.
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About Summit BHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Summit BHC, based in Franklin, TN, USA, is a recognized leader in the field of addiction treatment and behavioral health care services. The company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers aimed at caring for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders. Summit BHC was established with the mission to provide high-quality, addiction treatment and behavioral health services to those in need throughout the United States. With compassion, dignity, and respect as their core values, they endeavor to instill hope during the journey to recovery and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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