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Therapeutic Riding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JobTarget - Demo

Equine Afficianado

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $78K/yr

Design and execute individualized training programs for horses across different levels and disciplines (e.g., dressage, jumping, racing, therapeutic riding, etc.). Demonstrate superior horsemanship ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Therapeutic Tech

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$19.12/hr

Therapeutic Tech Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: IDT PC Adult Req ... Responsible for riding/driving the program vehicle when assigned. * Participates in crisis ...

UHS

EQUINE THERAPIST (CERT)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Previous work in therapeutic riding centers, wellness programs, or nonprofit settings Scope of Practice Statement This position provides equine‑assisted experiential and wellness services . The ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Therapeutic Tech

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$19.12/hr

Therapeutic Tech Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: IDT PC Adult Req ... Responsible for riding/driving the program vehicle when assigned. * Participates in crisis ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Therapeutic Tech

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$19.12/hr

Therapeutic Tech Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: IDT PC Adult Req ... Responsible for riding/driving the program vehicle when assigned. * Participates in crisis ...

Texas Tech University

Executive Director

Lubbock, TX · On-site

... therapeutic riding services, outreach programming, events, boarding operations, and public engagement initiatives. Strategic Leadership, Vision, and Engagement * Provide strategic leadership for the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Therapeutic Tech

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$19.12/hr

Therapeutic Tech Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: IDT PC Adult Req ... Responsible for riding/driving the program vehicle when assigned. * Participates in crisis ...

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Therapeutic Riding information

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$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.

Equine Afficianado

JobTarget - Demo

New York, NY • On-site

$62K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Equine Aficionado - Specialist in Equestrian Excellence
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly knowledgeable, experienced, and deeply passionate individual to join our team as an Equine Aficionado. This unique role is reserved for a true expert in the equestrian world, combining exceptional horsemanship skills with an encyclopedic understanding of horse care, training, behavior, and the various disciplines of the industry. The successful candidate will act as a consultant, mentor, and hands-on specialist, ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare, performance, and management are maintained across our operations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Advanced Equine Care and Welfare: Oversee and implement best-practice daily care routines, including specialized nutrition planning, fitness/conditioning programs, preventive healthcare, and detailed monitoring of equine health and behavior. Collaborate closely with veterinary and farrier teams.
  • Training and Development: Design and execute individualized training programs for horses across different levels and disciplines (e.g., dressage, jumping, racing, therapeutic riding, etc.). Demonstrate superior horsemanship in groundwork and riding.
  • Consultation and Mentorship: Serve as an internal and external subject matter expert on all equine-related topics, providing advice to management, staff, clients, and riders. Mentor junior staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence in equine practices.
  • Facility and Resource Management: Advise on the maintenance and improvement of stable facilities, arenas, pastures, and equipment (tack, feed, medical supplies). Ensure all operations comply with safety regulations and welfare standards.
  • Behavior and Diagnostics: Possess an acute ability to observe and interpret subtle changes in equine behavior, gait, and condition to detect early signs of lameness, illness, or stress. Lead in the creation of behavior modification plans when necessary.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous, up-to-date records on all horses, including training logs, health charts, feeding regimens, and performance data.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Experience: Minimum of [Insert Number, e.g., 10+] years of professional, diverse, and hands-on experience in the equine industry, demonstrating advanced proficiency in horse handling, care, and training.
  • Education/Certification (Preferred): Bachelor's or advanced degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications in a specialized equestrian discipline (e.g., Certified Horseman, Advanced Riding Instructor, Equine Bodyworker, etc.) are highly desirable.
  • Expert Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of equine anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pathology, biomechanics, and breed-specific characteristics.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Problem-Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot and manage complex equine health, training, or behavioral issues independently and effectively.
  • Physical Demands: Must be physically fit and capable of safely handling large animals of various temperaments, lifting heavy loads (e.g., feed/hay), and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Professionalism: High degree of integrity, empathy, and a tireless dedication to the safety and well-being of the horses.

Work Environment:
This is a dynamic, hands-on position requiring flexibility. The role involves working in barn and outdoor settings and may require irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call availability for emergencies. Travel for consultations or events may be required.

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