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Therapeutic Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rite of Passage

Part Time Equine Assistant

Lignum, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding * Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds * Experience working with children ...

Rite of Passage

Part Time Equine Assistant

Lignum, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding * Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds * Experience working with children ...

Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center

Be Seen First

Facility Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Position Title: Facility Manager Reports to: Program Director Classification: Part Time/ Exempt Responsibilities: Responsible ...

Sterling Search Inc.

CFBO

San Juan Capistrano, CA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Shea Therapeutic Riding Center (Shea Center) in San Juan Capistrano has retained Sterling Search, Inc. to conduct a search for its new Chief Financial and Business Officer. The Chief Financial and ...

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Therapeutic Riding information

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$9

$32

$67

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic riding in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $62.50 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.

More about Therapeutic Riding jobs
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Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Assistant Manager of Equine Programs

Assistant Manager of Equine Programs

Achievement Centers for Children

Strongsville, OH

$17.15 - $20.91/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Recreation Programs
Full-Time | Camp Cheerful
Hourly Rate: $17.15 $20.91

At Achievement Centers for Children, we empower children with disabilities and their families to thrive. For more than 75 years, weve provided life-changing services across Northeast Ohio through education, therapy, family support, and recreation programs.

Our therapeutic horsemanship program at Camp Cheerful provides children and adults with disabilities meaningful opportunities to build confidence, independence, and connection through equine-assisted services.

We are seeking an Assistant Manager of Equine Programs to support daily program operations, lead volunteer coordination efforts, and provide therapeutic riding instruction.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about horses, enjoys mentoring volunteers, and wants to make a meaningful impact through adaptive recreation programming.

What Youll Do Volunteer Leadership
  • Recruit, onboard, train, and schedule volunteers
  • Maintain volunteer records, hours, and compliance documentation
  • Support volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention efforts
  • Manage volunteer communication systems, including scheduling platforms
Program Instruction
  • Independently teach beginner and adaptive riding lessons
  • Conduct rider assessments
  • Provide lesson support and step into volunteer roles when needed
  • Ensure a positive and safe experience for participants and families
Equine & Barn Operations
  • Support horse care, conditioning, and appropriate horse utilization
  • Help maintain safe, clean, and organized barn and arena spaces
  • Monitor tack, equipment, and facility needs
Safety & Compliance
  • Maintain adherence to PATH Intl. standards
  • Document incidents, injuries, and safety concerns
  • Support overall risk management and safe program operations
Community Engagement
  • Support fundraising events, outreach efforts, and community partnerships
What Were Looking For Required Qualifications
  • PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire
  • Minimum three years of equine instruction experience
  • Minimum two years of leadership, training, or volunteer coordination experience
  • Strong horsemanship knowledge, including horse behavior and conditioning
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical barn-related tasks
  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in a related field
  • Previous therapeutic horsemanship experience
  • Previous volunteer management experience
  • Advanced PATH certification
Why Join Achievement Centers for Children?
  • Mission-driven work that changes lives
  • Opportunity to work with horses in a meaningful therapeutic setting
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative team environment
  • Unique role combining leadership, recreation, and equine services
Make an Impact

Through therapeutic horsemanship, participants build confidence, independence, and joy.

Join Achievement Centers for Children and help create transformative experiences at Camp Cheerful.

Achievement Centers for Children is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Apply