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Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager and CTRI

Elbert, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

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 ...

Therapeutic Riding Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$19

$38

How much do therapeutic riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding instructor in Colorado is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.67 and $23.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a therapeutic riding instructor do?

A typical day for a Therapeutic Riding Instructor involves preparing horses and equipment, conducting adaptive riding lessons tailored to the needs of each participant, and maintaining detailed records of student progress. Instructors also work closely with volunteers, families, and allied professionals such as therapists or healthcare providers to coordinate and enhance each rider’s experience. Time is often dedicated to horse care, safety checks, and ongoing training on best practices in the field. Teamwork, flexibility, and a passion for empowering others are central to the role, with daily responsibilities varying based on program size and the needs of participants.

What is a therapeutic riding instructor?

A Therapeutic Riding Instructor teaches horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. They use adaptive techniques to help riders develop balance, coordination, confidence, and independence. Instructors ensure safety, assess rider progress, and tailor lessons to meet individual needs. They often work in collaboration with therapists, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Certification through organizations like PATH Intl. or CanTRA is typically required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapeutic riding instructor?

To thrive as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, you need expertise in horseback riding, a solid understanding of equine behavior, and specialized training in adaptive riding techniques, often supported by certification from organizations such as PATH Intl. or similar bodies. Familiarity with equine care protocols and adaptive tack, as well as the ability to document rider progress, are important technical competencies. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to tailor lessons to individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, or emotional needs set exceptional instructors apart. These skills are essential to ensure safe, effective, and enriching experiences for participants while fostering their personal development and well-being.

What are popular job titles related to Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado? For Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Riding Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 16% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,354 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Program Manager and CTRI

StableStrides

Elbert, CO • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 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.