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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Four Star Farm

Horseback Riding Instructor

Dixon, CA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Instructors teach riders safety, horsemanship skills, and basic English riding skills to all ages. * Enthusiastically sharing their passion for horses. Requirements: * Knowledge of Horses. * English ...

Windy Willow Equestrian

Be Seen First

Horseback Riding Instructor

Boyce, VA · On-site

$300 - $500/wk

Riding Instructor Company: Windy Willow Equestrian Location: Boyce, VA About Us: Windy Willow Equestrian is an established riding academy located in the heart of horse country in Northern Virginia.

Four Star Farm

Horseback Riding Instructor

Dixon, CA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Instructors teach riders safety, horsemanship skills, and basic English riding skills to all ages. * Enthusiastically sharing their passion for horses. Requirements: * Knowledge of Horses. * English ...

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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor information

What are some common challenges Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors face when working with diverse riders, and how can they effectively address them?

Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors often work with individuals who have a wide range of physical, cognitive, or emotional needs, which can present unique challenges in adapting lesson plans and ensuring each rider's safety and progress. Instructors must be flexible, patient, and creative in modifying activities to suit individual abilities while maintaining a positive and supportive environment. Effective communication with riders, their families, and support staff is essential to understand each participant's goals and to monitor any changes in their needs or behavior. Collaborating closely with therapists and equine specialists also helps instructors provide the best possible experience and outcomes for their riders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor, you need expertise in horseback riding, knowledge of equine behavior, and a background in therapeutic or adaptive riding, often supported by certification such as PATH Intl. Registered Instructor. Familiarity with safety protocols, adaptive tack, and equine-assisted therapy tools is essential. Strong communication, patience, and empathy help instructors effectively support riders with diverse physical, emotional, or cognitive needs. These skills ensure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that fosters therapeutic progress and rider confidence.

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

AspectTherapeutic Horseback Riding InstructorEquine Therapist
CredentialsCertified riding instructor, often with therapeutic riding certificationLicensed mental health or occupational therapist with equine therapy training
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, therapy facilities, outdoor riding arenasTherapy clinics, hospitals, private practices, outdoor settings
Industry UsageFocuses on riding skills and therapeutic benefits through horseback ridingUses horses as a tool for mental health and physical therapy

While both roles involve working with horses to promote well-being, Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors primarily teach riding skills with therapeutic benefits, whereas Equine Therapists use horses as part of clinical therapy sessions to address mental or physical health issues.

What does a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor do?

A Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor is a professional who uses horseback riding as a means to help individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities improve their quality of life. They design and lead sessions that incorporate riding and horse care activities tailored to each rider's abilities and needs. The instructor works closely with the riders, their families, and sometimes other therapy professionals to ensure a safe, supportive, and effective therapeutic experience.
More about Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Horseback Riding Instructor (59200)

Horseback Riding Instructor (59200)

Exceptional Family Resources

Chittenango, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm is seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Part-Time Horseback Riding Instructor to join our team. This position supports our adaptive and therapeutic riding program for children and adults with disabilities.
The ideal candidate will bring strong horsemanship skills, a passion for inclusive instruction, and the ability to lead and support volunteers in a positive, welcoming farm environment. This role is perfect for someone who loves horses and wants to make a meaningful difference through adaptive riding.
If you're excited to be part of an amazing team of fellow horse lovers and advocates for inclusion, we encourage you to apply today!
Job Responsibilities:
• Evaluate riders and identify contraindications to horseback riding
• Match horses with riders, based upon knowledge of the equines and of the rider's abilities, experience level, etc. for the best riding experience
• Attend trainings to enhance the quality and scope of the riding program
• Ensure a safe atmosphere for riders, volunteers, spectators, staff and horses
• Work with Adaptive Riding Instructor to ensure safe, smooth-running sessions
• Work with participants to ensure progress toward goal attainment and document progress
• Re-assess participant goals and needs on a regular basis
• Update volunteer coordinator of needs for current and future volunteers
• Give direction to assistant riding instructor and volunteers
• Other duties as assigned
Required Skills / Capabilities:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Working knowledge of therapeutic riding
  • Working knowledge of horse health
  • Ability to recognize lameness and/or equine illness
  • Able to assist riders in mounting as part of a two-person lift from ramp
  • Certified or Licensed OTA or PTA preferred but not required
  • CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Certification a plus
  • Must be willing to seek certifications regarding qualifications of an OTA, PTA and/or CHA
  • Current PATHIntl. CTRI Certification a plus. If not currently certified, must be willing to pursue certification through PATHIntl
  • Successful completion of pre-employment screenings

Education and Experience:
  • Must complete background checks as required, including OPWDD/Justice Center fingerprinting, child abuse and sex offender registries
  • Completion of all required trainings and refreshers
  • Able to monitor the activities of campers who have varying abilities and disabilities
  • Meet the physical demands (walking, running, bending, lifting, and assisting campers with meals, washing hands, toileting, exerting 50 pounds of force to assist with lifts, transfers and other hygiene needs
  • Proof of immunizations per NYS DOH strongly preferred (2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella doses; 1 Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine booster dose within last 10 years; and 2 varicella vaccine doses)

Physical Requirements Essential for Safe and Effective Job Performance
  • Ability to successfully remain sitting or working at a desk for prolonged periods.
  • Vision sufficient to keep a New York State Driver's License and constant use of a computer.
  • Speech and hearing sufficient for normal communication.
  • Ability to successfully work on a computer as a significant responsibility.
  • Full range of motion to move safely in the office and outside locations which may not have accommodation.
  • May be needed to put away office supplies and transport event materials. Must be able to lift, push, pull, walk, stoop, reach in all directions to move freely and quickly within any area.
  • Must be able to lift or move items necessary for events and other related activity.
  • Finger manipulation and hand coordination for constant computer use.
  • Ability to travel in your own vehicle to all job-related out-of-office functions or meetings as needed.
  • Ability to report on time and remain for overtime as needed.

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