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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Clinician Fully Licensed - 211307

Decatur, GA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Provides therapeutic de-escalation as needed. * Ability to work autonomously and make sound ... Must wear Agency Branded shirt and fitted bullet proof vest (where applicable) while riding in ...

Provides therapeutic de-escalation as needed. * Ability to work autonomously and make sound ... Must wear Agency Branded shirt and fitted bullet proof vest (where applicable) while riding in ...

Therapeutic Riding information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$9

$31

$64

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in Atlanta, GA is $31.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $60.10 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 Atlanta, GA? For Therapeutic Riding jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Riding jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Riding jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Therapeutic Riding jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Therapeutic Riding job openings:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,269 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Clinician Fully Licensed - 211307

dekalbcsb

Decatur, GA • On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

CO RESPONDER LICENSED CLINICIAN

JOB SUMMARY:

The Co-responder Program is a collaborative service of the Claratel Behavioral Health and the local Police Department to respond to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis (mental health and/or substance use issues). The goals of the program are to provide crisis intervention services in the community, link individuals in crisis to community resources, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce arrests/incarceration for individuals in need of treatment.
The Clinician provides field on-site clinical assessment, crisis intervention, education and support, and coordinates follow up services and connects individuals and families to resources. The clinician evaluates individual’s safety risk to self or others, determines if involuntary admission is needed and completes 1013 or 2013 as appropriate and indicated by licensure level. The Clinician conducts homeless outreach, community engagement, and engages with community partners. Receives supervision from the program manager.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides screening, clinical assessment, mental status evaluation, therapeutic intervention, clinical education and disposition with individuals and their families in the community in response to a behavioral health crisis call.
  • Engaged in homeless outreach, community engagement, and engagement with community/law enforcement partners
  • Evaluates individual’s safety risk to self or others and initiates 1013 or 2013 as appropriate.
  • Provides therapeutic de-escalation as needed.
  • Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions based on standards of care/practice.
  • Thinks quickly and effectively to address an emergency and follows through with appropriate interventions.
  • Assists in coordination with a receiving facility when it is determined that the individual needs crisis stabilization.
  • Makes follow-up wellness calls and visits with clients in the community.
  • Completes electronic documentation for each call and follow-up visit.
  • Communicates effectively with clients who are high acuity or under the influence.
  • Always exhibits clear and professional communication with individuals, families/significant others, staff, and public safety officers.
  • Participate in rotating on-call schedule to provide telephonic support to officers in the field.
  • Performs duties from a recovery oriented, client centered, and trauma informed perspective.
  • Participate and contribute to departmental meetings, team huddles, rounds, supervision, and other meetings, as needed, to ensure cohesive department operations.
  • Enhance professional growth and development through participation in specialized training.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Current license as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LPC, LCSW) in the state of Georgia OR master’s level Counselor/Social Worker with commitment to obtain License (Senior) within 6 months of date of hire.
  • At least two years of mental health / substance use disorder experience in assessment, crisis intervention and stabilization.
  • Knowledgeable about signs and symptoms of withdrawal and acute psychosis.
  • Must possess basic computer and typing skills. Must be trained in CPI and have current CPR.

Preferred Qualifications:

  •  Psychiatric hospital, crisis stabilization unit, ACT team or co-responder experience.


NEEDED ATTRIBUTES

  • Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • Must be clinically focused while ensuring best practices.
  • Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations and respond appropriately.
  • Always maintain confidentiality.
  • Professional and effective communication with Police Officer, staff, clients, clients’ families/significant others and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Works primarily in the community along with law enforcement.
  • Rides in police vehicle with CIT trained police officer and responds to crisis calls.
  • Must wear Agency Branded shirt and fitted bullet proof vest (where applicable) while riding in police vehicle and while in the community (where applicable).
  • Potential exposure to highly stressed and emotional situations.
  • Moderate walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
  • Must be trained in MindSet Safety Management and have current CPR.

Pre-employment drug screening may be required. Selected applicant will be subject of an FBI Criminal History Record Check, and the applicant has the right to challenge the contents of their Criminal History Record Information, should they choose to do so. This employer participates in E-Verify.