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Therapeutic Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager and CTRI

Elbert, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are Seeking a Program Manager and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor StableStrides is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization whose mission is to significantly improve lives through ...

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Week-day Barn Help

Andover, NJ · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

We offer therapeutic riding lessons to all ages, as well as standard lessons, trail rides, unmounted lessons, summer camp, and more! We are excited to grow our ETWC family and do more exciting things ...

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Week-day Barn Help

Andover, NJ · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

We offer therapeutic riding lessons to all ages, as well as standard lessons, trail rides, unmounted lessons, summer camp, and more! We are excited to grow our ETWC family and do more exciting things ...

Showing results 21-40

Therapeutic Riding information

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$9

$32

$67

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

What cities are hiring for Therapeutic Riding jobs? Cities with the most Therapeutic Riding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Riding jobs? The most popular types of Therapeutic Riding jobs are:
What states have the most Therapeutic Riding jobs? States with the most job openings for Therapeutic Riding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Hospital for Special Care rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

508th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Position Location:Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding CenterScheduled Weekly Hours:4Work Shift:First ShiftDepartment:Manes and Motions Riding Center

We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
  • Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
  • Required: First Aid Certification.
  • Required: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
  • Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY

Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
  • Sit 0-20% of each shift.
  • Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
  • Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
  • Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
  • Grasp with both hands-on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
  • Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

  • Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
  • Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required.
  • A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
  • Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
  • Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
  • Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS

  • Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs.
  • There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments.
  • There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III).
  • Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
  • Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
  • Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
  • Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
  • Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
  • Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
  • Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
  • Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.

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