Equine Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of mental health and therapeutic practices, the importance of equine therapy assistants has never been more pronounced.

As the understanding of alternative therapy techniques grows, so does the demand for compassionate individuals who can facilitate, support, and nurture healing through equine therapy.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an equine therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique dynamics of equine therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive equine therapy assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Equine Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Equine Therapy Assistants perform a variety of tasks related to assisting the Equine Therapist in providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities to help individuals with disabilities improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Equine Therapy Assistants are primarily responsible for assisting with therapy sessions and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the patients and the horses, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Assist in preparing horses for therapy sessions, including grooming and tacking
• Support patients during therapy sessions, providing physical support and encouragement as needed
• Follow therapists’ instructions to help patients achieve therapeutic goals
• Observe and report on patient progress and reactions to therapy
• Ensure safety of patients and horses during therapy sessions
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of therapy equipment and stables
• Provide basic care for horses, such as feeding and watering
• Assist in administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Equine Therapy Assistant to support our team in providing therapeutic services to clients.

The Equine Therapy Assistant will assist in the coordination and administration of equine therapy sessions, support the preparation of horses, and help maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate individual with a strong understanding of horse behavior and safety.

Experience working with individuals with special needs or in a therapeutic setting is a plus.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and execution of equine therapy sessions
• Maintain and care for therapy horses including grooming, feeding, and exercise
• Ensure safety standards are followed during therapy sessions
• Support clients during sessions and provide assistance as needed
• Maintain cleanliness of the therapy area and stables
• Assist with client record keeping
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions
• Communicate effectively with therapists, clients, and their families

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with horses
• Knowledge of horse care and safety protocols
• Experience in a therapeutic setting or working with individuals with special needs is a plus
• Ability to work well in a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Physical strength and stamina to work with large animals and assist clients
• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR and First Aid certification is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Equine Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: This role requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and includes physical labor. Some weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Equine Therapy Coordinator or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Equine Therapy Assistant Do?

Equine Therapy Assistants are professionals who assist in equine therapy programs, often under the direction of a certified Equine Therapy Practitioner or Therapist.

Equine therapy utilizes horses as therapeutic tools for individuals suffering from a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions.

They help prepare the horses for the therapy sessions, ensuring they are groomed, calm, and ready to interact positively with the patients.

This may involve feeding, exercising, and cleaning the horses.

During therapy sessions, the Equine Therapy Assistant supports the therapist in guiding the patient as they interact with the horse.

They also ensure the safety of both the patient and the horse, intervening if necessary to prevent harm or undue stress.

Equine Therapy Assistants also aid in patient assessment, assisting the therapist in observing and recording the patient’s behavior, response to therapy, and progress.

They may be responsible for providing input into the therapy plan and adjusting it based on the patient’s needs and responses.

In addition to their direct work with the horses and patients, Equine Therapy Assistants may also have responsibilities such as maintaining the therapy area, scheduling appointments, and communicating with patient families about progress and any concerns.

They are vital in helping to create a safe and supportive environment for patients to heal and grow.

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Equine Therapy Assistant must have a combination of relevant qualifications and a range of soft skills to ensure effective treatment for clients, including:

• A deep understanding of equine behavior and management, to ensure the safety and welfare of the horses used in therapy sessions.
• Experience or certification in therapeutic riding or a related field, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with clients, therapists, and other team members, explaining the processes clearly and answering any questions.
• Empathy and patience to work with clients who may have diverse physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Physical fitness and dexterity to assist clients during therapy sessions, including helping them mount and dismount horses.
• Good problem-solving abilities to address any issues that might arise during therapy sessions and the ability to think quickly and adapt to changing situations.
• Observational skills to monitor the clients’ progress and report back to the lead therapist or other professionals involved in the clients’ care.

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Equine Therapy Assistants often start their careers by completing a certificate or diploma in equine studies or a related field.

In these programs, they gain practical experience with horses and learn about their behavior, care, and health.

In addition, many aspiring Equine Therapy Assistants volunteer or work part-time at equestrian centers, stables, or therapy centers to gain hands-on experience.

This helps them understand the therapeutic benefits of horses and learn how to implement equine-assisted activities.

Typically, an Equine Therapy Assistant with 1 to 2 years of experience has worked in roles such as Stable Hand, Horse Riding Instructor, or Animal Caretaker.

This experience is crucial for their understanding of horse management and their ability to effectively assist in therapy sessions.

Equine Therapy Assistants with more than 3 years of experience often have a more in-depth knowledge of equine-assisted therapy techniques.

They may have experience working with various client populations such as individuals with physical, emotional, or mental health challenges.

For those with over 5 years of experience, they often have administrative or supervisory experience in their background.

These individuals might be ready for roles such as Equine Therapy Program Coordinator or Manager, where they oversee and manage therapy sessions, staff, and horses.

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become an Equine Therapy Assistant, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or equine science.

It is beneficial if these degrees include courses in horse management, horse anatomy and physiology, and equine behavior.

Equine Therapy Assistants need to have a solid background in horse care and handling.

This can be achieved through hands-on experience, such as volunteering or working at a stable, riding school, or therapeutic riding center.

There are certifications available for those interested in specializing in equine-assisted therapy.

These certifications usually require a combination of education, experience with horses, and knowledge of therapeutic practices.

Employers often prefer candidates who have been certified by recognized bodies such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) or the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).

Continuing education and regular training are important for this role, as therapeutic techniques and understanding of equine behavior continually evolve.

This ongoing learning can take the form of workshops, seminars, and advanced certification programs.

It’s also important to note that Equine Therapy Assistants should have strong interpersonal skills and empathy, as they work closely with clients who have physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

An Equine Therapy Assistant typically earns an average salary of $31,980 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ depending on factors such as experience, training, location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Equine Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Equine Therapy Assistant need?

Equine Therapy Assistants should have strong interpersonal skills as they deal with a variety of clients, including those with emotional, mental, and physical disabilities.

They need to be patient and empathetic, as progress in therapy can take time.

They should also have knowledge of horse care and handling, as well as a basic understanding of therapeutic practices.

 

Do Equine Therapy Assistants need a degree?

While a degree isn’t mandatory, having a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some equine therapy programs provide certification that includes training in equine behavior, riding instruction, and therapeutic techniques.

Hands-on experience with horses is also crucial, as the job requires a good understanding of horse behavior and safety practices.

 

What should you look for in an Equine Therapy Assistant resume?

An Equine Therapy Assistant’s resume should show experience working with horses, as well as experience or education in therapeutic practices or social services.

A certification in equine therapy or a related field is a plus.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience working with individuals with special needs or disabilities.

 

What qualities make a good Equine Therapy Assistant?

A good Equine Therapy Assistant should be patient, compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of clients.

They should be comfortable working with horses and have a strong understanding of horse behavior and safety.

Good physical fitness is also essential, as the role can involve lifting, bending, and being on their feet for extended periods.

 

Is it difficult to hire Equine Therapy Assistants?

Hiring Equine Therapy Assistants can be challenging because the role requires a unique combination of skills and experience.

Candidates need to have a strong background in horse care and handling, as well as experience or education in therapy or social services.

Therefore, it may take time to find the right candidate who has both the equine expertise and the therapeutic understanding.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have delved into the heart of what it truly means to be an equine therapy assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about working with horses.

It’s about fostering healing and growth, one therapy session at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive equine therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you are well-equipped to gallop ahead.

But why halt here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to unbridled excellence.

Remember:

Every therapy session contributes to a broader journey of recovery and resilience.

Let’s embark on this journey. Together.

How to Become an Equine Therapy Assistant (Complete Guide)

Workplace Weirdness: Unbelievable Jobs That Are Totally Real

The Fun-Front: Enjoyable Jobs That Are Leading the Pack

The Modern Workforce: Trending Jobs That Are Changing the Game

The Rock-Solid Roles: Recession-Proof Jobs for Career Longevity