Join a crew, feed the herd of 17 equines (from draft horses to shetland ponies to a miniature donkey), get some exercise, and spend time outdoors! * Horse feeding shifts start at 7:00 a.m. CT and 3 ...
Join a crew, feed the herd of 17 equines (from draft horses to shetland ponies to a miniature donkey), get some exercise, and spend time outdoors! * Horse feeding shifts start at 7:00 a.m. CT and 3 ...
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?
| Aspect | Therapeutic Riding | Equine Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH Intl. certification | Equine-assisted therapy certification, related mental health or occupational therapy credentials |
| Work Environment | Equestrian centers, therapy facilities, clinics | Therapy clinics, mental health settings, equine therapy centers |
| Industry Usage | Focuses on riding as a therapeutic activity for individuals with disabilities | Provides 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.
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Full-time
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Job description
Join a crew, feed the herd of 17 equines (from draft horses to shetland ponies to a miniature donkey), get some exercise, and spend time outdoors!
- Horse feeding shifts start at 7:00 a.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT every day (on-the-job training provided). Each shift takes 1.5-2 hours. You'll join a crew of 2-4 others. A commitment of one shift per week is requested. Feeders need to be at least 16 years old, wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Chores include feeding & watering horses, mucking stalls, pushing wheelbarrow, throwing hay, haltering & leading horses, walking on uneven surfaces, & sweeping barn. If you don't have rubber boots, we have limited sizes to borrow when the pastures are muddy. No horse experience needed.
- There are also opportunities for facility/grounds maintenance which do not require a weekly commitment & work around volunteer's schedule.
About Reins Of Life
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
South Bend, IN, US
Year founded
1978