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Equine Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PRN Equine Therapist

Ocklawaha, FL

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview The Equine Therapist plays a central role in supporting clients through their ... Maintain documentation of therapy services provided to each patient, according to facility and ...

PRN Equine Therapist

Ocklawaha, FL · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview The Equine Therapist plays a central role in supporting clients through their ... Maintain documentation of therapy services provided to each patient, according to facility and ...

PRN Equine Therapist

Ocklawaha, FL · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Overview The Equine Therapist plays a central role in supporting clients through their ... Maintain documentation of therapy services provided to each patient, according to facility and ...

Working as an Equine Assistant for True Friends' Therapy and Adaptative Riding program could be the meaningful career experience you've been looking for. Come join our team and make a difference!

Showing results 21-40

Equine Therapy information

See salary details

$35.5K

$63.9K

$112K

How much do equine therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for equine therapy in the United States is $63,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is equine therapy?

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy, is a form of therapy that involves interactions between patients and horses to promote emotional growth and healing. This therapy can help individuals with physical, emotional, and developmental challenges by improving confidence, communication, and trust. Sessions are often led by licensed therapists and trained equine specialists who guide activities such as grooming, feeding, or riding horses. Equine therapy is used for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, autism, and behavioral issues. Research shows that the bond formed with horses can be powerful in facilitating personal growth and emotional well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equine therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equine Therapist, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training or certification in equine-assisted therapy methods. Familiarity with therapy frameworks, equine behavior, and safety protocols, as well as certifications like EAGALA or PATH Intl., is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with both clients and horses are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective, safe therapeutic interventions that support clients’ mental and emotional well-being through interactions with horses.

What degree is needed for equine therapy?

Equine therapy practitioners typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, counseling, or equine science. Additional certifications in equine-assisted therapy or mental health are often required or preferred to work effectively with clients.

What are some common challenges equine therapists face when working with clients and horses?

Equine therapists often encounter challenges such as building trust between clients and horses, especially if clients have little experience with animals or are dealing with emotional trauma. Safety is always a priority, so therapists must continuously assess both the client's and the horse's comfort and behavior. Additionally, maintaining clear communication with other healthcare professionals and adjusting therapy plans to meet each client's unique needs are important aspects of the role. These challenges require patience, strong observation skills, and ongoing collaboration with the therapy team.

What is an equine therapy job?

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a form of mental health treatment in which the patient engages with horses and donkeys, providing grooming and training as a means of processing emotions and identifying problematic behavior patterns. Equine therapy is an effective mode of treatment for many people, in which the therapist guides the patient through various activities with the animal to help reinforce positive communication and develop the patient’s assertiveness, self-awareness, and empathy. Many therapy programs also help children and adults develop life skills such as teamwork and collaboration, personal responsibility, leadership, and proactive planning. Certified equine therapy instructors work in therapeutic riding centers, with veterans’ programs, and in conjunction with other therapeutic programs.

What can you do with an equine therapy degree?

An equine therapy degree prepares individuals to work as equine therapy practitioners, using horses to assist clients with mental health, physical, or developmental challenges. Graduates can work in clinics, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the region. Skills in animal handling, therapy techniques, and client communication are essential for success in this field.

What is the difference between Equine Therapy vs Equine-Assisted Activities Specialist?

AspectEquine TherapyEquine-Assisted Activities Specialist
CredentialsLicensed mental health or healthcare professionals with specialized equine therapy trainingTypically requires certification in equine-assisted activities, but not necessarily licensed healthcare credentials
Work EnvironmentTherapy settings, clinics, hospitals, or private practicesEquine facilities, community programs, or recreational settings
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, physical therapy, and rehabilitationFocuses on recreational, educational, or team-building activities involving horses

Equine Therapy involves licensed healthcare professionals providing therapeutic interventions using horses to address mental or physical health issues. In contrast, Equine-Assisted Activities Specialists focus on recreational or educational activities with horses, often without clinical therapy components. Both roles work with horses and share some training, but their primary goals and credentials differ.

What cities are hiring for Equine Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Equine Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Equine Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Equine Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Equine Therapy jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Equine Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,943 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Programming Director - Equine Therapy - MS

EquiStaff

Nesbit, MS

Contractor

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Facility 

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. 
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
-  Possibility for Horse Boarding
- 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