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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heritage Schools, Inc.

Equine Instructor

Provo, UT · On-site

Purpose The Equine Instructor provides therapeutic riding instruction and horsemanship education for youth in a residential treatment setting. This role combines equestrian instruction, horse care ...

Heritage Schools, Inc.

Equine Instructor

Provo, UT · On-site

PurposeThe Equine Instructor provides therapeutic riding instruction and horsemanship education for youth in a residential treatment setting. This role combines equestrian instruction, horse care ...

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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor information

What challenges do therapeutic horseback riding instructors face when working with diverse riders, and how can they 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a therapeutic horseback riding instructor?

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor

Ray Graham Association For People With Disabilities

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

**Job Summary:**
Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructors are responsible for teaching English and Western riding lessons to individuals with and without disabilities. They monitor and report student progress, teach various lessons throughout the week including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, and work under the supervision of the Program Coordinator. Instructors independently lead sessions with the help of volunteers and ensure a clean and safe environment for students, horses, and farm animals.
**Responsibilities:**
- Uphold and follow agency mission, values, policies, and procedures.
- Conduct riding lessons for individuals with and without disabilities, ensuring the proper grooming and tacking of horses before each session.
- Support riders of all ages in ground lessons, English and/or Western pleasure.
- Assist riders with disabilities using adaptive riding equipment tailored to their needs.
- Teach students proper safety behaviors around animals and in the barn.
- Provide disability awareness training to students without disabilities.
- Plan lessons, maintain progress records for each rider, and communicate with parents and therapists.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment by caring for horses, barn animals, and equipment.
- Supervise program volunteers, provide training, monitor safety, track volunteer hours, and participate in volunteer recognition activities.
- Assist with birthday parties, special events, and other horsemanship activities.
**Qualifications:**
MUST BE PATH CERTIFIED
**Education/Certification:**
- High School Diploma/GED required.
- Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Valid Illinois Driver's License.
- Commercial Driver's License.
- Bachelor's Degree preferred.
- Master's Degree preferred.
- Certification/Licensure: Must complete required checks and training as specified by the Program.
**Experience:**
- 1 to 2 years of job-related experience preferred.
- 2 to 5 years of job-related experience preferred.
**Abilities:**
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Power Point.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and productively.
- Strong problem-solving skills, team player, and sound judgment.
- Physical abilities including lifting, working with arms over the shoulders, climbing, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, carrying, and walking.
- Basic computer skills, keyboarding, and ability to read and understand written information.
- Availability of a car during work hours and the ability to drive.
** Salary**
$14.00 per hour

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