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Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor information

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How much do freelance therapeutic riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance therapeutic riding instructor in the United States is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor vs Equine Therapist?

AspectFreelance Therapeutic Riding InstructorEquine Therapist
CredentialsCPR certification, riding instructor certifications, therapeutic riding trainingEquine-assisted therapy certification, mental health or counseling credentials, equine therapy training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor riding arenas, stables, therapy centersIndoor clinics, therapy rooms, outdoor therapy sites
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractor, working with therapeutic riding centers or clientsEmployed by therapy organizations, clinics, or practicing independently

While both roles involve working with horses to support mental and physical health, a Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor primarily teaches riding skills and therapeutic riding techniques. An Equine Therapist focuses on using horses as part of mental health or physical therapy, often requiring additional counseling credentials. The instructor role emphasizes riding instruction, whereas the therapist role centers on therapy sessions. Both roles require specialized training and certification but serve different therapeutic purposes.

More about Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,943 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 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.