ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Therapeutic Riding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LocumTenens

... horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snowshoeing. About the Clinician's Workday ... and Therapeutic Phlebotomies. On August 31, the clinic is closed and coverage is structured as ...

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

... riding, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds this quaint town. Whether ... Bachelor's or master's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field ...

Haynes Family of Programs

Be Seen First

Student Aide

La Verne, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $22.50/hr

Maintains all safety standards, laws, and company policies when riding in or operating any company ... P.I.) and/or Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training (T.C.I.) within three months of employment

New

KurzSolutions

Primary Care Physician

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

... riding, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds this quaint town. Whether ... Analyze clinical data, develop therapeutic programs, and communicate information effectively to ...

All JobsTherapeutic Riding JobsTherapeutic Riding Jobs in California

Therapeutic Riding information

See California salary details

$9

$32

$66

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in California is $32.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Riding jobs in California?

The most popular types of Therapeutic Riding jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Therapeutic Riding jobs in California?

For Therapeutic Riding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Riding jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Riding jobs in California are:

Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 56% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,983 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Therapeutic Riding Manager

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • On-site

Helen Woodward Animal Center
Charitable Organizations • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Helen Woodward Animal Centerexternal

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

THERAPEUTIC RIDING MANAGER
Full Time (Weekends required)
Salary: $75,000 to $90,000 (Commensurate with experience)
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING MANAGER:
Manage every aspect of a well rounded Therapeutic Riding program, ensuring safety and quality in all facets of the program. Manage recruiting, hiring, motivating, training and evaluating department personnel. Recruit and maintain adequate client base. Must be able to run a business minded program while following budget guidelines, setting attainable goals and overseeing purchasing to stay on budget. Oversee efficient and safe volunteer program. Maintain positive relations with clients and/or parents. Ensure completion of organized and updated client records and evaluations. Oversee the development and implementation of standards, procedures, and guidelines for lessons and follow-up. Manage intake of horses and maintain a high level of care for the horses, including updated medical records, evaluation of their suitableness for program, recruiting/evaluation of potential new horses for the program and finding homes for horses who are retiring from program. Keep abreast of new therapeutic riding ideas and concepts, disabled service laws and guidelines, and mentor instructors with such information. Available for donor or corporate presentations as requested from Development department. Work with Development in creating donor lists and providing information. Solicit and secure sponsorships for annual horse show, and some scholarships as needed. Ensure completion of all departmental reports (budget, strategic reports, Board Reports), communications, and meetings. Enforce Center policies and procedures with staff. Regularly update supervisor on current significant issues. Participate in Center activities as needed or required. Follow safety and sanitation policies throughout facility in order to maintain HWAC standards of excellence. Maintain compliance with HWAC policies and procedures. Participate in Center activities and events as required. Complete other assignments as required. Represent HWAC standards of professionalism.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
PATH certified instructor. Two years work experience at a Therapeutic Riding facility required. Two years management experience recommended. Working knowledge of all PATH standards and procedures preferred.
Most posses a strong horse background with knowledge in both western and english disciplines. Barn management and horse show experience recommended. A strong riding background is required and the ability to train horses at a basic level. Must be able to work with a team of instructors to improve teaching skills and be able to give constructive criticism for lesson improvement.
Employee must demonstrate ability to work effectively with others (including co-workers, customers, and others) by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; and addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions.
Employee must demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
As this position may require occasional driving duties, employees must possess a valid Driver's License. Employee must complete a Driver Information From and provide a recent DMV driving record report to be kept on file, as well as proof of insurance.

Apply