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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Therapeutic Riding information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$31

$63

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in Ohio is $31.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $59.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Therapeutic Riding jobs in Ohio? For Therapeutic Riding jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,525 per year, or $31 per hour.
Weekend Respite Nurse

$650/day

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Weekend Respite Nurse

Camp Cheerful, Strongsville

Set amongst 52 acres of woods, trails, fields and aquatic areas of the Cleveland Metroparks, the Achievement Centers for Childrens Camp Cheerful offers campers with disabilities all the traditional camp activities. Camp Cheerful grounds are open year-round and house the Adult Day Program and Therapeutic Riding in addition to Respite Camp.

We are currently seeking an experienced Nurse to work two weekends a month from 6pm Friday to noon on Sunday. On selected weekends we can accommodate a split shift you do not have to be available for every weekend. This position will provide medication distribution and general nursing care for the adults with disabilities in our Respite Weekend Program. Nurses have their cabin with a private locked bedroom and bathroom, they sleep at night and have down periods at times during the day.

$650 stipend for the weekend. The employee can select which weekends they would like to work.

Weekends available:

September 11th-13th

September 25th-27th

October 9th-11th

October 23rd-25th

November 6th-8th

November 20th-22nd

December 4th-6th

January 8th-10th

January 22nd-24th

February 5th-7th

February 19th-21st

March 5th-7th

March 19th-21st

April 2nd-4th

April 16th-18th

April 30th-May 2nd

May 14th-May 16th