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Therapeutic Horse Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFK Community Alliance

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA

$20/hr

Who We Seek Rein In a Dream (RIAD), our premier accredited therapeutic horsemanship center, is ... Key Qualifications and Skills * 5 years' experience working at a fully operational horse riding and ...

RFK Community

Lead Stable Staff

Lancaster, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Who We Seek Rein In a Dream (RIAD), our premier accredited therapeutic horsemanship center, is ... Key Qualifications and Skills * 5 years' experience working at a fully operational horse riding and ...

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Therapeutic Horse Riding information

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How much do therapeutic horse riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic horse riding in the United States is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is therapeutic horse riding?

Therapeutic horse riding, also known as equine-assisted therapy or adaptive riding, is a form of therapy that uses horseback riding to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with various disabilities or challenges. It can help participants develop balance, coordination, strength, confidence, and communication skills. Sessions are typically led by certified instructors and may involve tailored exercises based on the rider’s needs.

What is the difference between Therapeutic Horse Riding vs Equine Therapist?

AspectTherapeutic Horse RidingEquine Therapist
CertificationsCertified riding instructors, therapeutic riding certificationsEquine-assisted therapy certifications, mental health credentials
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, therapy facilities, outdoor arenasTherapy clinics, hospitals, private practices
Industry UsageRehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, recreational therapyMental health, emotional well-being, behavioral therapy

Therapeutic Horse Riding primarily involves trained instructors guiding individuals through riding activities to promote physical and emotional benefits. Equine Therapist, on the other hand, often combines therapy techniques with equine-assisted activities to address mental health issues. While both roles work with horses and require related certifications, their focus and work settings differ, making each unique in the therapy and rehabilitation industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a therapeutic horse riding instructor?

To thrive as a Therapeutic Horse Riding Instructor, you need expertise in horsemanship, knowledge of disabilities or therapeutic techniques, and usually certification from bodies like PATH Intl. or CanTRA. Familiarity with adaptive tack, safety protocols, and equine management systems is crucial. Outstanding communication, patience, and empathy help instructors build trust and effectively support riders with diverse needs. These skills ensure both the safety and therapeutic progress of participants, making sessions rewarding and impactful.

What are common challenges faced by therapeutic horse riding instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Therapeutic horse riding instructors often work with participants who have a range of physical, cognitive, or emotional needs, which can present unique challenges in adapting lesson plans and ensuring safety. Instructors must be adept at modifying activities to each rider's abilities while maintaining a positive and supportive environment. Collaboration with therapists, volunteers, and families is essential for delivering effective sessions and addressing individual goals. Ongoing professional development and clear communication within the team help instructors stay prepared for evolving participant needs and industry standards.
More about Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs
What cities are hiring for Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs? Cities with the most Therapeutic Horse Riding job openings:
What states have the most Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs? States with the most job openings for Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs are:
Therapeutic Horse Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Horse Riding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,281 per year, or $16 per hour.

Reg. Riding Instructor

Hospital for Special Care

Middletown, CT • On-site

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Hospital for Special Care rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

508th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Position Location:
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:
4Work Shift:
First ShiftDepartment:
Manes and Motions Riding Center
We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
  • Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
  • Required: First Aid Certification.
  • Required: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
  • Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY
Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
  • Sit 0-20% of each shift.
  • Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
  • Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
  • Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
  • Grasp with both hands-on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
  • Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS
  • Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
  • Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required.
  • A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
  • Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
  • Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
  • Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS
  • Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs.
  • There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments.
  • There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III).
  • Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
  • Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
  • Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
  • Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
  • Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
  • Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
  • Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
  • Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.

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