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How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Therapeutic Riding Jobs?

Therapeutic riding, also known as equine therapy, is a program in which a client with a mental or physical disability interacts with horses. The program does not treat a condition like ADHD or depression, but instead helps clients learn necessary skills, social cues, and responsibilities. Your duties in therapeutic riding involve assisting clients with a ride, showing them how to groom or feed a horse, teaching them how to stock or clean a barn, and talking to clients during and after their experience about what they learned and how to apply those lessons to their life. An equine therapist, riding instructor or aide, program director, and program manager are some therapeutic riding positions.

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

To thrive as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, you need a strong understanding of horsemanship, equine care, and the basics of physical or occupational therapy, usually demonstrated by certification from organizations like PATH Intl. Familiarity with adaptive riding equipment and safety protocols is essential, as is experience with lesson planning and record-keeping systems. Exceptional communication, patience, and empathy set instructors apart when working with individuals with diverse physical, emotional, or cognitive needs. These skills ensure safe, effective sessions that foster client progress and well-being while maintaining high safety standards for both riders and horses.

What are some common challenges therapeutic riding instructors face when working with clients and horses?

Therapeutic riding instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting lesson plans to meet the diverse physical, cognitive, or emotional needs of their clients. They must also ensure the safety and well-being of both riders and horses, which requires strong observation skills and quick decision-making. Coordinating with therapists, volunteers, and horse handlers is essential for smooth sessions, and instructors need to be flexible and patient as progress can vary greatly among participants. Additionally, maintaining the physical health and training of therapy horses is an ongoing responsibility.

What is therapeutic riding?

Therapeutic riding is a form of equine-assisted activity where individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges participate in horseback riding sessions. These sessions are led by certified instructors and aim to improve balance, coordination, confidence, and social skills. Unlike hippotherapy, which is conducted by licensed therapists for medical treatment, therapeutic riding focuses on overall well-being, recreation, and personal development. It can benefit people of all ages with a variety of needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities.

What is the difference between Therapeutic Riding vs Equine Therapist?

AspectTherapeutic RidingEquine Therapist
CertificationsCertified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl. certificationEquine-assisted therapy certification, related mental health or occupational therapy credentials
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, therapy facilities, clinicsTherapy clinics, mental health settings, equine therapy centers
Industry UsageFocuses on riding as a therapeutic activity for individuals with disabilitiesProvides mental health or physical therapy using horses, often including riding and groundwork

Therapeutic Riding primarily involves instructing individuals with disabilities in riding activities to promote physical and emotional well-being. Equine Therapists may incorporate riding but often focus more on therapy sessions that include groundwork and mental health interventions. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in equine-assisted environments, but their primary goals and methods differ.

More about Therapeutic Riding jobs
What cities are hiring for Therapeutic Riding jobs? Cities with the most Therapeutic Riding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Riding jobs? The most popular types of Therapeutic Riding jobs are:
What states have the most Therapeutic Riding jobs? States with the most job openings for Therapeutic Riding jobs include:
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Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 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.

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