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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Medical Center

RN - OB GYN

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

The facility offers a spectrum of care, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative ... The surrounding areas offer opportunities for ATV riding, hiking, hunting, and horseback riding.

All JobsTherapeutic Riding JobsTherapeutic Riding Jobs in New Mexico

Therapeutic Riding information

See New Mexico salary details

$9

$31

$65

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in New Mexico is $31.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $60.58 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 popular job titles related to Therapeutic Riding jobs in New Mexico?

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

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

Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,773 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Board member/ Fundraising

Loving Thunder Therapeutic Riding, Inc

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

🌟 Join the Movement at Loving Thunder Therapeutic Riding! 🌟

Loving Thunder Therapeutic Riding is proud to be the only Premier Accredited PATH Intl. Center in New Mexico, providing the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and heart-centered care in the equine world. Since 2008, we’ve offered a safe, friendly, and fun learning environment for riders with special needs through therapeutic riding and equine psychotherapy — and the impact is life-changing.

Now, we’re ready for our next chapter.

As we grow toward becoming a full-time program, we are seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, and dependable individual to join our Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a program that is already serving:

  • 🐴 55 riders weekly
  • 🤝 25 dedicated volunteers
  • ❤️ 7 incredible therapy horses

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Loves building community connections in the Rio Rancho and Albuquerque area
  • Isn’t afraid to share our story with friends, coworkers, and local partners
  • Brings fresh ideas for fundraising, grant writing, and sustainable growth
  • Believes in the power of horses to transform lives
  • Business and organizational skills required
  • Board-level experience preferred

And don’t worry — you won’t be doing it alone. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and deeply passionate about our mission.

We invite you to observe a lesson (by appointment) and see firsthand the difference Loving Thunder makes in people’s lives. It’s something you truly have to experience.

If you’re ready to step into leadership and help us take Loving Thunder to the next level, we would love to talk with you.

📞 Call 505-554-9493

🌐 Visit us at www.lovingthunder.org

Come be part of something powerful. 💙

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