ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTherapeutic Riding Jobs

Therapeutic Riding information

See salary details

$9

$32

$67

How much do therapeutic riding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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
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:
What job categories do people searching Therapeutic Riding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Therapeutic Riding jobs are:
Therapeutic Riding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Riding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Barn Program Manager

Victory Junction Gang Camp Inc

Randleman, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description:

Victory Junction is a year-round camp facility that provides fully accessible on-site and off-site programming for children with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families. Victory Junction's adaptive, intentional programming includes summer camp, family weekends, day programs, equine therapy, pediatric patient outreach, and partner programs. By removing all barriers, Victory Junction welcomes children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions to experience camp fun, all in a medically safe environment. Victory Junction is a member of SeriousFun Children's Network and is accredited by the American Camp Association.


The Barn Program Manager will assist with various duties as they relate to the management of the barn facility, animals and riding programs at Victory Junction. The Barn Program Manager position will work to help ensure that all facility standards, compliance and programming in the barn are upheld to the highest level.


Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the overall upkeep of the barn (cleaning, pressure washing, stalls, etc.)
  • Assist the Barn Director with the Therapeutic Riding program: Recruitment, volunteers, leading horses, and any other tasks/duties assigned
  • Assist the Barn Director with continued plans of care of the program animals after any injury or illness
  • Assist the Barn Director with daily maintenance of the program's horses, such as riding, lunging, and bodywork as needed
  • Actively participate with the Program Team’s development, coordination and facilitation of volunteer and staff orientation
  • Ensure all safety protocols in the barn are in place and always enforced
  • Support all camp programs including Family Weekends, Special events, respite programs and summer programs
  • Communicate with the entire program department any specific needs or changes as they relate to the barn program
  • Assist Program Team in the coordination and facilitation of all safety and operational Orientation sessions
  • Ensure an atmosphere for developing good morale, well-being and teamwork among the camp family is attained
  • To adhere to and implement the policies and procedures of Victory Junction
  • Be an active team player and contribute/promote a positive, professional culture for all
  • Foster a culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Any other duties assigned
Requirements:
  • Minimum of an associate degree is preferred
  • Experience working in a therapeutic riding program / CTRI certification is preferred
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must have strong public relations skills
  • Must be multitask orientated
  • Must be a team player
  • Must be able to read and write English
  • 2 plus years of Equine experience
  • Must Know equine first aid and common signs of illness and lameness
  • Must be able to clean stalls, groom and tack up a horse independently both English and western
  • Must have riding experience
  • Preferred candidate has basic beginner riding lesson instructor experience
  • Must be comfortable leading horses to and from pastures and in a lesson for minimum of 30 minutes
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License

Prospective employees meet medical requirements as a condition of employment.