Equine Therapy Facilitator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of therapeutic services, the role of equine therapy facilitators has never been more significant.

As society increasingly recognizes the healing power of the human-animal bond, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can guide, facilitate, and safeguard this therapeutic interaction.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from an equine therapy facilitator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply captivated by the unique world of equine therapy,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable equine therapy facilitator job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Equine Therapy Facilitator Duties and Responsibilities

Equine Therapy Facilitators use horses to provide therapeutic treatment to individuals with physical, mental or emotional challenges.

They work with a range of patients, including those with disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, and addiction problems.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ needs and developing individualized therapy plans
• Facilitating therapeutic riding sessions for individuals or small groups
• Training horses to be used in therapy sessions, ensuring they are calm and gentle with patients
• Observing patient interactions with the horse and interpreting these to assist in therapy
• Ensuring the safety of patients and horses during therapy sessions
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists
• Maintaining patient records and documenting progress
• Caring for the horses, including feeding, grooming, and exercise
• Adhering to professional standards and ethical guidelines in the field of equine therapy
• Continuing education in the field of equine-assisted therapy to keep up-to-date with the latest research and techniques

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Equine Therapy Facilitator to join our team.

The ideal candidate will use a range of therapeutic techniques involving horses to assist individuals in achieving physical, mental, and emotional development.

Equine Therapy Facilitators are expected to plan and implement treatment programs, monitor progress, and provide a safe environment for therapy participants and the therapy horses.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of new clients and develop individualized therapy plans
• Facilitate individual and group equine therapy sessions
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals
• Monitor and record patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Ensure the welfare and safety of both clients and horses during therapy sessions
• Maintain detailed records and reports of therapy sessions
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards of practice

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Equine Therapy Facilitator or similar role
• Strong understanding and knowledge of equine behaviour and care
• Experience working with individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and interventions involving horses
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required
• Degree in Psychology, Therapy, Social Work, or a related field is preferred
• Certification from a recognized body in equine-assisted therapy

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education support
• Opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals in need

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Equine Therapy Facilitator
• Work Environment: This job role requires working outdoors in all weather conditions. It also involves physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and walking for extended periods of time.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Equine Therapy Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Facilitator Do?

Equine Therapy Facilitators work in the field of equine-assisted therapy, a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between people and horses.

They use horses to provide physical, occupational, and emotional growth for their clients, who may include individuals with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, trauma, chronic illnesses, or other health conditions.

Their role involves assessing the needs of their clients and then designing and implementing appropriate equine-assisted therapy programs.

This may involve a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, grooming, feeding, or simply being in the presence of the horse.

Equine Therapy Facilitators monitor the clients’ progress, adjust the therapy programs as necessary, and ensure the safety of both the client and the horse during the therapy sessions.

They also have the responsibility to care for the horses, ensuring their health and wellbeing so that they can effectively participate in the therapy sessions.

In addition, they may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, physical therapists, and social workers, to integrate equine therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan.

Finally, Equine Therapy Facilitators may also be involved in educating others about the benefits of equine-assisted therapy and advocating for its use as a recognized therapeutic approach.

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Qualifications and Skills

An Equine Therapy Facilitator should have a unique set of qualifications and skills that allow them to effectively guide and facilitate therapy sessions using horses, such as:

• Understanding of equine behavior and safety to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic environment for the clients.
• Professional training or qualifications in equine therapy or a related field, such as occupational therapy, psychotherapy, or counseling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with clients, build trust, and effectively guide therapy sessions.
• Empathy and patience to understand and address the emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs of clients.
• Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic techniques and strategies that can be implemented with horses to address client needs.
• Physical fitness and ability to handle horses, including grooming, tacking up, and leading horses.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of therapists, medical professionals, and horse caretakers to provide holistic care to clients.
• Experience or comfort working with individuals with disabilities or mental health issues, as many clients who seek equine therapy are dealing with these challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly adapt therapy sessions based on the individual needs and reactions of the client.

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Experience Requirements

Equine Therapy Facilitators typically require a combination of educational qualifications and practical experience.

The core requirement is a solid understanding of both horse behavior and psychology, and human psychology and therapy methods.

Most start their journey with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

However, the unique nature of this work often requires specialized training in equine therapy itself.

In terms of experience, prospective Equine Therapy Facilitators usually gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work at equine therapy centers.

They would ideally spend 1-2 years assisting seasoned facilitators, learning to handle horses, and understanding how to create a therapeutic environment for clients.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed a deeper understanding of equine-assisted therapy techniques, and have hands-on experience in facilitating therapy sessions independently.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to supervise and train new facilitators, manage an equine therapy center, or conduct research in this field.

Certification through professional bodies such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) may be required and would necessitate further training and experience.

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Education and Training Requirements

Equine Therapy Facilitators typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

A fundamental understanding of equine behavior and handling is crucial, often gained through experience with horse care and riding.

There are also specific programs and certifications available in equine-assisted therapy which can provide the necessary training in how to incorporate horses into therapeutic practices.

In addition to the bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in counseling or social work, with a specific focus on equine-assisted therapy.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally, an Equine Therapy Facilitator must be a licensed mental health professional.

This usually requires a master’s degree and supervised clinical work.

To further improve their skills and knowledge, many Equine Therapy Facilitators pursue additional certifications in mental health disorders and treatment techniques.

Maintaining continued education in both equine knowledge and mental health therapy is essential to ensure best practice methods are being applied in therapy sessions.

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Salary Expectations

An Equine Therapy Facilitator earns an average salary of $42,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can be influenced by factors such as the facilitator’s experience, location, and the organization they work for.

Additionally, the amount of clients they see and whether they operate their own practice or work within an established center can also impact their income.

 

Equine Therapy Facilitator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Equine Therapy Facilitator need?

Equine Therapy Facilitators should have a strong understanding of horse behavior and care, as well as experience in therapeutic techniques and patient care.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and understand their needs.

Additionally, problem-solving abilities and patience are necessary to adapt therapy to each individual’s requirements.

 

Do Equine Therapy Facilitators need a degree?

While a degree isn’t always necessary, it is typically recommended that Equine Therapy Facilitators have relevant education in fields such as psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or equine studies.

Some positions may require certification in equine-assisted therapy from a recognized body.

 

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

Experience with horses and in a therapeutic setting should be key components of an Equine Therapy Facilitator’s resume.

Look for certifications in equine therapy and relevant educational background.

Additionally, any demonstration of patient care experience, strong communication skills, and experience working with the particular demographic your facility serves would be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Equine Therapy Facilitator?

A good Equine Therapy Facilitator is patient, empathetic, and skilled at building trust with both horses and patients.

They have a deep understanding of horse behavior and can read and respond to their cues.

They are also able to adapt their therapeutic approach to suit the individual needs of each patient, and are committed to continual learning and development in their field.

 

Is it difficult to hire Equine Therapy Facilitators?

Hiring an Equine Therapy Facilitator can be challenging due to the specialized skill set required for the role.

It requires a unique combination of horse knowledge, therapeutic expertise, and interpersonal skills.

However, with a thorough recruiting process, it is possible to find candidates who are well-suited to this rewarding profession.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of what it means to be an Equine Therapy Facilitator.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about riding horses.

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

With our go-to Equine Therapy Facilitator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to gallop forward in your career.

But why rein in there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stride to crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of a larger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

How to Become an Equine Therapy Facilitator (Complete Guide)

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