1

Hippotherapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager and CTRI

Elbert, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Adaptive Riding, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy services (aka Hippotherapy), Mental Health, and Learning, Leadership, and Growth services (aka Equine Assisted Learning). Position ...

Those with experience treating sensory processing and apraxia or with experience regarding hippotherapy/equine-assisted therapy are encouraged to apply. Those certified in DIR ® will be given first ...

Showing results 21-40

Hippotherapy information

See salary details

$9

$44

$67

How much do hippotherapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for hippotherapy in the United States is $44.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.74 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hippotherapy?

A hippotherapy job involves using horseback riding as a therapeutic treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges. Professionals, often occupational, physical, or speech therapists, incorporate horse movement to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. They work closely with patients to achieve therapy goals while ensuring safety around the horse. This role requires specialized training and certification to effectively integrate equine movement into therapy sessions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the hippotherapy position, and why are they important?

To thrive in hippotherapy, you need a background as a licensed occupational, physical, or speech therapist, along with specialized training in equine-assisted therapy. Certification from organizations such as the American Hippotherapy Association and experience with horses and adaptive equipment are commonly required. Strong interpersonal, observational, and communication skills help facilitate trust and effective therapy with both clients and equine handlers. These competencies ensure safe, evidence-based therapy that maximizes client progress and well-being in a dynamic environment.

What does a typical day look like for a hippotherapy practitioner?

A typical day for a hippotherapy practitioner involves planning and conducting individualized therapy sessions on horseback, assessing client progress, and collaborating closely with horse handlers and other therapy professionals. Daily tasks often include preparing horses and equipment, documenting session outcomes, and communicating with clients’ families and referring healthcare providers. Practitioners may also participate in regular team meetings to review cases and adjust therapy plans. This role requires adaptability and teamwork, as each client’s needs and responses to therapy can vary widely, making every day unique and rewarding.

More about Hippotherapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Hippotherapy jobs? Cities with the most Hippotherapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hippotherapy jobs? The most popular types of Hippotherapy jobs are:
What states have the most Hippotherapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Hippotherapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hippotherapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,039 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Program Manager and CTRI

StableStrides

Elbert, CO • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

StableStrides is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization whose mission is to significantly improve lives through a connection with horses. We are a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and the oldest center of our kind in Southern Colorado. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Program Manager to lead our programs into their next phase of growth and impact.

The Program Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the coordination and administration of all StableStrides programs. These programs include, but are not limited to: Adaptive Riding, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy services (aka Hippotherapy), Mental Health, and Learning, Leadership, and Growth services (aka Equine Assisted Learning).

Position: Full-time, non-exempt, Monday–Friday with occasional evenings/weekends for trainings/events; reports to Executive Director.


Salary: $20-$25/hour, depending on qualifications, with optional medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and retirement, as well as paid holidays and PTO.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead overall strategy, planning, and implementation of StableStrides programs.

  • Partner with fundraising and leadership teams to align program growth with organizational sustainability.

  • Strategize, plan, and implement programs that effectively meet community needs and client goals, adhering to PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation standards.

  • Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and lead instructors and instructors-in-training, fostering a supportive, team culture.

  • Provide 5–25 hours of direct client services per program week, depending on program size and need; assist in classes when substitutes are not available.

  • Steward program resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, records, supplies, capital) to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Success Measures

  • Design and run efficient, effective programs where at least 80% of clients achieve their goals.

  • Manage and oversee program budgets so net program revenue remains within the annual budget.

  • Ensure a high-quality client experience, with at least 90% of adaptive services clients reporting high satisfaction.

  • Foster instructor retention and satisfaction, aiming for 95% of staff reporting high satisfaction with the Program Manager.

 

Qualifications

  • REQUIRED: PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (Advanced level instructor is a plus)

  • PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification, preferred

  • 3+ years’ experience leading instructor teams and program management

  • 5+ years’ experience instructing at a PATH center

  • Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of disabilities, precautions/contraindications, and adaptive riding teaching techniques

  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills

  • Excellent computer skills with experience with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and preferred experience with Salesforce 

 

Working Environment

This role includes both office and equine-facility environments, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

StableStrides is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Candidates may be subject to background screening and a pre-employment drug screen.