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Therapeutic Riding Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Home Care Evolution

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Vienna, VA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Leesburg • Ashburn • Sterling • Purcellville • South Riding • Middleburg • Hamilton • ... Demonstrate therapeutic exercises, such as joint stretching for arthritis relief * Assess home ...

All JobsTherapeutic Riding JobsTherapeutic Riding Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Therapeutic Riding information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$33

$69

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in Silver Spring, MD is $33.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $64.62 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.

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Therapeutic Riding jobs near you

PRN Physical Therapist (PT)

Human Touch Home Health

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$75 - $140/hr

Per diem

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

$2,000 Sign-On Bonus | PRN Physical Therapist | Loudoun County, VA
More Flexibility. More Freedom. More Time to Focus on What Matters Most.
Human Touch Home Health is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist to join our growing team serving patients throughout Loudoun County, including Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, South Riding, Aldie, Purcellville, Lovettsville, Hamilton, and surrounding communities.
Whether you're looking to supplement your current caseload, earn additional income, or enjoy the flexibility that comes with home health, this opportunity allows you to create a schedule that works for you while making a lasting impact on the lives of your patients.
Why Therapists Choose Human Touch
  • $2,000 Sign-On Bonus*
  • Competitive PRN Compensation
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Build a Caseload That Fits Your Availability
  • Mileage Reimbursement
  • Supportive Clinical Leadership
  • Consistent Referral Opportunities
  • One-on-One Patient Care
  • Professional Growth Opportunities
  • Established Company Serving Communities for Over 27 Years

Practice Physical Therapy Without the Burnout
Imagine having the freedom to focus on patient outcomes instead of productivity metrics.
As a Home Health Physical Therapist, you'll provide individualized care in the comfort of your patients' homes, helping them regain mobility, improve strength, and achieve greater independence.
You'll have the flexibility to manage your own schedule while being supported by an experienced clinical team committed to your success.
No crowded clinics.
No double-booked schedules.
No rushing from patient to patient.
Just meaningful patient care and the opportunity to make every visit count.
What You'll Do
  • Complete evaluations, reassessments, and discharge visits
  • Develop individualized treatment plans
  • Provide skilled physical therapy services in patients' homes
  • Educate patients and caregivers on therapeutic exercises and safety strategies
  • Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary team members
  • Complete timely and accurate documentation

Qualifications
  • Active Virginia Physical Therapist License Required
  • Valid Driver's License and Reliable Transportation
  • Strong Communication and Documentation Skills
  • Home Health Experience Preferred but Not Required

Why Human Touch Home Health?
At Human Touch Home Health, we believe exceptional patient care begins with supporting exceptional clinicians. That's why we provide the flexibility, resources, and leadership our therapists need to thrive while making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're looking for a PRN opportunity that offers flexibility, autonomy, competitive compensation, and rewarding patient care, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and discover why therapists choose Human Touch Home Health.
*Sign-on bonus subject to company guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Apply