Equine Therapy Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the diverse field of therapeutic practices, the focus on equine therapy instructors has never been more pronounced.

As the recognition of equine-assisted therapy grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can harness, develop, and ensure the effectiveness of this unique therapeutic approach.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the concept and practice of equine therapy,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Equine Therapy Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Equine Therapy Instructors use their knowledge of horse behavior and therapeutic methods to provide therapy sessions for individuals with mental or physical conditions.

They are responsible for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for both the horse and the participant during therapy sessions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the physical and emotional needs of each participant
• Designing individualized therapy programs based on participant needs and abilities
• Leading therapy sessions and ensuring safety of participant and horse
• Monitoring progress and adapting the therapy program as necessary
• Maintaining records of each participant’s progress and sessions
• Training and managing horses for therapy purposes, ensuring their wellbeing
• Communicating effectively with participants, their families, and other health professionals
• Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the therapy environment
• Conducting workshops or informational sessions on equine therapy
• Staying updated with the latest research and developments in equine therapy

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Equine Therapy Instructor to join our team.

The Equine Therapy Instructor will facilitate therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with mental, physical, and emotional challenges, with the goal of helping them improve their physical health, psychological well-being, cognitive abilities, and social skills.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about equine therapy and has a deep understanding of how to effectively use horseback riding as a therapeutic tool.

They should have strong people skills, be compassionate and patient, and be able to build relationships with both the horses and the clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct equine-assisted therapy sessions, including therapeutic riding and ground work
• Design individualized lesson plans based on clients’ needs
• Monitor clients’ progress and adjust therapy plans accordingly
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for both the clients and horses
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and occupational therapists
• Train and manage volunteers and support staff
• Ensure the health and well-being of the therapy horses
• Communicate with clients’ families or caregivers about progress and any changes

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Equine Therapy Instructor or similar role
• Certification from a recognized therapeutic riding association (e.g., PATH Intl.)
• Knowledge of horse behavior and horsemanship skills
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Understanding of basic medical terminology and conditions
• Ability to handle horses calmly and safely
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Physical fitness and ability to lift heavy objects

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Equine Therapy Instructor
• Work Environment: This role is primarily outdoors and involves physical activities such as riding, lifting, and walking. It may require working in various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Equine Therapy Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Pay typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Instructor Do?

Equine Therapy Instructors are specialized professionals who work in the field of therapeutic horse riding.

They typically work with individuals of various age groups, including children, teenagers, adults, and seniors who may have physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.

They guide and instruct their clients in horse riding exercises that are designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and cognitive abilities.

They may also use these sessions to help clients reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and enhance communication and social skills.

Equine Therapy Instructors work closely with other professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to create personalized therapy plans for each client.

They are responsible for ensuring the safety of their clients during therapy sessions.

This includes properly fitting clients with safety gear, teaching them how to handle and move around horses safely, and monitoring them throughout the therapy session.

Moreover, they also tend to the needs of the therapy horses, which includes feeding, grooming, and ensuring their overall well-being.

A significant part of their role involves assessing and understanding the behavior and needs of the therapy horses, as a calm and well-cared-for horse is critical in this type of therapy.

Equine Therapy Instructors need to document and track their clients’ progress, adjust therapy plans as necessary, and regularly communicate with clients and their families about their improvement and any concerns.

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Qualifications and Skills

An Equine Therapy Instructor should possess a diverse set of skills and qualifications to efficiently manage therapy sessions and ensure the wellbeing of both the clients and the horses.

These include:

• Experience in equine care and management, being able to recognize the signs of stress or discomfort in a horse and knowing how to handle and control horses safely.
• Knowledge of therapeutic methods and techniques, understanding how they can be applied through interactions with horses.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with a diverse range of clients, understanding their needs, explaining therapy procedures and addressing any concerns or fears they may have.
• Patient and compassionate nature to provide a calm and supportive environment for clients, many of whom may have physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Physical fitness and agility to handle large animals and potentially assist clients with mobility issues.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy sessions to individual client needs and to manage unpredictable situations that may arise with the horses or clients.
• Certification from a recognized body such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) or equivalent, demonstrating professional training and adherence to industry standards.
• First aid knowledge and potential crisis intervention skills to manage emergencies and ensure the safety of all participants.

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Experience Requirements

Equine Therapy Instructors usually need a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience working with horses, which can be gained through roles such as Stable Hand, Riding Instructor, or Horse Trainer.

Experience in equine care and handling is critical for this role as it involves direct interaction with horses.

These professionals may also need to have experience in providing therapeutic services or working in a healthcare setting, often achieved through roles such as Therapy Assistant, Healthcare Aide, or Mental Health Counselor.

This experience is crucial as Equine Therapy Instructors use horses as therapeutic tools to help their clients achieve physical and emotional healing.

Moreover, many employers prefer candidates with certifications in equine-assisted therapy and a strong understanding of equine behavior.

This can be gained through professional development courses or specialized equine therapy programs.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have added responsibilities, such as training new instructors or overseeing therapy programs.

These individuals may also have some leadership experience and could be suitable for managerial roles within equine therapy centers or organizations.

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Education and Training Requirements

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

In addition to a degree, prospective instructors must complete a comprehensive training program from a recognized equine therapy organization.

These programs provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience in equine therapy.

Equine Therapy Instructors must have strong horseback riding skills and a deep understanding of horse behavior.

Some organizations offer specific equine-assisted therapy certifications that cover these skills, as well as the therapeutic techniques used in this type of therapy.

Moreover, it is often required that the instructors have a certification in First Aid and CPR for both humans and horses, due to the nature of their work.

Some positions may require Equine Therapy Instructors to be licensed mental health professionals or have substantial experience in therapeutic riding instruction.

To stay abreast of the latest research and therapeutic techniques, many professionals in this field pursue ongoing education through workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities.

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Salary Expectations

An Equine Therapy Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on experience, qualifications, location, and the type of facility in which they work.

 

Equine Therapy Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Equine Therapy Instructor need?

Equine Therapy Instructors should have excellent communication skills, both for interacting with clients and for working with horses.

They should have a deep understanding of horse behavior and horse care.

They also need to have the ability to teach and the patience to work with clients who may have a variety of physical and emotional needs.

Empathy and compassion are also key skills in this role.

 

Do Equine Therapy Instructors need a degree?

While a degree may not be required, it can be beneficial for an Equine Therapy Instructor to have a background in a field like psychology, social work, or physical therapy.

However, the most important requirement is usually to have certification as a therapeutic riding instructor from a recognized organization, such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

 

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

You should look for experience in working with horses and in therapeutic settings.

The instructor should have a certification in therapeutic riding instruction and should also be able to demonstrate a history of working with individuals with disabilities or specific needs.

A background in a relevant field, such as psychology or physical therapy, can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Equine Therapy Instructor?

A good Equine Therapy Instructor should be patient, compassionate, and understanding.

They need to be able to work well with a variety of clients, including those who may have physical or emotional challenges.

They also need to have a deep respect and understanding of horses and their behavior.

In addition, they should be dedicated to continuing their education and keeping up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in equine therapy.

 

What are the daily duties of an Equine Therapy Instructor?

The daily duties of an Equine Therapy Instructor may include conducting therapeutic riding lessons, providing care for the horses, maintaining the facility, communicating with clients and their families, and documenting therapy sessions.

They may also spend time planning individualized therapy sessions based on the specific needs of each client.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve saddled up and taken a ride into the world of an equine therapy instructor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about riding horses.

It’s about creating transformative experiences, one horseback ride at a time.

With our top-notch equine therapy instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to gallop forward.

But why rein in there?

Push the boundaries with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards masterfully crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every horseback ride is part of a larger journey.

Let’s gallop towards that horizon. Together.

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