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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bannerhealth

OT Occupational Therapist

Banner, IL · On-site

$38.75 - $51/hr

Banner Churchill's Acute Care and Outpatient Rehabilitation Department provides therapeutic ... riding and off-roading. POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for the evaluation, planning ...

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Therapeutic Riding information

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 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 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 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Therapeutic Riding jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Therapeutic Riding jobs in Illinois? For Therapeutic Riding jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Riding jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Riding jobs in Illinois are:
Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor

Ray Graham Association

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Job Title: Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
Job Summary:
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor to join our team. As a Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor, you will be responsible for providing therapeutic riding lessons to individuals with developmental disabilities. You will work closely with our clients to help them develop their horsemanship skills, improve their physical and emotional well-being, and achieve their personal goals.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement lesson plans that are tailored to the individual needs of each client
- Teach clients basic horsemanship skills, including grooming, tacking, and riding
- Monitor clients' progress and adjust lesson plans as needed
- Ensure the safety of clients, volunteers, and horses at all times
- Maintain accurate records of client progress and attendance
- Communicate regularly with clients' families and caregivers to provide updates on progress and discuss any concerns
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship, Special Education, or a related field
- Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor by PATH Intl. or equivalent organization
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
- Strong knowledge of horsemanship and equine care
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as needed
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you are passionate about helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their goals and improve their quality of life, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
Drug-Free Workplace Commitment
We are proud to be a drug-free workplace. All candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and may be subject to random testing throughout employment. We are committed to promoting a safe and productive environment for all employees.
Salary Description
$16.50

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