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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Cedar Springs Therapeutic Ranch

Groundskeeper

Slinger, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Company Description Cedar Springs Therapeutic Ranch serves southeastern Wisconsin as an equine and ... The ranch offers riding lessons designed to support physical, emotional, and social growth in a ...

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Therapeutic Riding information

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.

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Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Groundskeeper

Cedar Springs Therapeutic Ranch

Slinger, WI • On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description Cedar Springs Therapeutic Ranch serves southeastern Wisconsin as an equine and animal-assisted therapy facility focused on improving quality of life for individuals living with disabilities. The ranch offers riding lessons designed to support physical, emotional, and social growth in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Cedar Springs provides a space where visitors can heal, learn, and build confidence through structured programs and meaningful interactions with animals. The Stable Moments program supports foster and adopted youth through mentorship, pairing each participant with a horse and a trained community mentor to develop life skills and resilience. Team members at the ranch contribute directly to these mission-driven programs by helping maintain a safe, well-kept setting for all activities.

Role Description The Groundskeeper is a part-time, on-site role located in Slinger, WI, responsible for maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and appearance of the ranch grounds and facilities. Day-to-day tasks include mowing, trimming, and general landscape care; cleaning and maintaining walkways, parking areas, and outdoor spaces used for therapy and riding programs; and performing basic repairs on fences, gates, and outdoor structures. The role also supports barn and paddock upkeep, including paddock cleaning, managing manure and waste, and ensuring that paths and work areas are free of hazards. The Groundskeeper will monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance on tools and machinery, and promptly report any safety or maintenance issues. This position works closely with staff and volunteers to ensure the ranch remains a welcoming, organized, and secure environment for participants, horses, and other animals.

Qualifications

  • Experience with groundskeeping, landscaping, or outdoor facility maintenance, including mowing, trimming, and basic property care.
  • Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment such as a skid-steer, lawn mowers, trimmers, utility vehicles, and hand tools.
  • Basic repair and maintenance skills for outdoor structures, fencing, gates, and general facilities.
  • Comfort working around horses and other animals, with attention to safety procedures in an equine environment.
  • Strong awareness of safety and cleanliness standards, especially in spaces used by youth and individuals with disabilities.
  • Reliable work habits, time management skills, and ability to work independently as well as with staff and volunteers.
  • Physical ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, carrying, bending, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred; prior experience in farm, ranch, or therapy program settings is a plus.
  • Willingness to support the mission of Cedar Springs Therapeutic Ranch and contribute to an inclusive, respectful environment for all participants.

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