Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the field of therapeutic services, the role of Equine Therapy Program Coordinators has gained significant importance.

As the therapeutic benefits of equine therapy continue to unfold, there is an increasing demand for skilled individuals who can guide, manage, and enhance these specialized programs.

But what really does an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of equine therapy coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are rolling out a customizable Equine Therapy Program Coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Equine Therapy Program Coordinators play a key role in planning, organizing, and managing equine therapy programs, which involve the use of horses to promote emotional growth and physical health.

They are also responsible for ensuring that therapy sessions are safe and effective for all participants.

The daily duties and responsibilities of Equine Therapy Program Coordinators include:

• Develop and implement equine therapy programs to meet the specific needs of clients
• Coordinate with therapists, trainers, and other staff members to ensure the effective delivery of therapy sessions
• Evaluate the progress of clients and make necessary adjustments to the therapy programs
• Monitor and maintain the health and safety of the horses used in the therapy sessions
• Train and supervise volunteers who assist in the therapy sessions
• Ensure the equine therapy facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained
• Develop and manage the budget for the equine therapy program
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines
• Communicate with clients, their families, and other stakeholders about the therapy process and outcomes
• Stay updated with the latest research and developments in equine therapy

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Equine Therapy Program Coordinator to oversee the development and implementation of our therapeutic riding program.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in equine care and therapy, as well as experience in program coordination and management.

The Equine Therapy Program Coordinator will manage all aspects of the program, including training horses, supervising staff, and coordinating sessions with clients.

You will also be responsible for monitoring the program’s effectiveness and making any necessary adjustments to ensure it meets the needs of our clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the implementation of the equine therapy program
• Coordinate staff schedules and supervise program staff
• Train and condition horses for therapeutic riding sessions
• Assess clients’ needs and coordinate therapeutic sessions
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program
• Ensure the safety and well-being of both horses and clients
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and potential clients
• Prepare budgets and monitor expenditures
• Comply with all relevant regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an equine therapy role or similar position
• Strong knowledge of horse behavior and equine-assisted therapy techniques
• Experience managing and coordinating programs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to evaluate and adapt program strategies as needed
• Certification from a recognized Equine Assisted Therapy program is preferred
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Degree in psychology, social work, or related field is advantageous

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Equine Therapy Program Coordinator
• Work Environment: This role requires both indoor administrative work and outdoor work with horses. The candidate must be comfortable working in all weather conditions and be able to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Program Director or Facility Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 Program Coordinator Do?

An Equine Therapy Program Coordinator typically works for equine-assisted therapy centers or health and wellness institutions.

They may also work in specific therapeutic riding facilities.

They are primarily responsible for developing, implementing, and managing equine therapy programs for individuals with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.

This involves crafting a therapy plan that addresses each client’s needs and therapeutic goals.

Their role includes coordinating with healthcare professionals like psychologists, physical therapists, and other therapists to understand the therapeutic needs of each client.

They supervise equine therapy sessions, ensuring the safety of both the client and the horse.

They also train and manage therapy facilitators and volunteers on how to handle horses and guide clients during therapy sessions.

Equine Therapy Program Coordinators may also be responsible for horse care, including feeding and grooming, to ensure the horses are healthy and suitable for therapy sessions.

Additionally, they handle administrative duties such as scheduling therapy sessions, maintaining client records, and overseeing program budgets.

They may also be involved in fundraising activities and public education about the benefits of equine therapy.

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

An Equine Therapy Program Coordinator is required to have a blend of skills related to horses, therapy, and management, such as:

• Knowledge of equine behavior and care, understanding horse behavior and safety to ensure a safe and productive environment for both clients and horses.
• Experience in therapeutic or rehabilitative services, ideally with a focus on equine-assisted therapy, to adequately develop and oversee programs that benefit clients.
• Strong organizational and management skills to coordinate the equine therapy program, manage schedules, and oversee the daily operations of the program.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with a diverse range of clients, therapists, and other staff members, and to communicate effectively with all involved parties.
• Problem-solving skills to manage unforeseen issues, conflict resolution, and to develop innovative solutions for improving the program.
• Understanding of therapeutic principles and techniques, ideally with a focus on equine-assisted therapy, to provide input on the program and guide therapeutic staff.
• Customer service skills to interact with clients and their families, address their concerns, and ensure a positive experience for all participants.

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Experience Requirements

To become an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator, prospective candidates typically need to have a combination of relevant education and practical experience.

The educational qualifications often include a degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field, alongside a certification in equine-assisted therapy.

Some individuals may also have a background in veterinary medicine or animal sciences, which can be beneficial in this role.

On the practical side, experience in the fields of mental health, counseling, or social work is generally required.

This can be achieved through internships, part-time roles, or entry-level positions in these areas.

To successfully coordinate an equine therapy program, candidates should also have experience working with horses.

This can be obtained through horse handling, horse care, and horse training roles.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a deep understanding of how to facilitate therapeutic sessions and have experience in managing and coordinating therapy programs.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience typically have some leadership experience and are likely capable of overseeing a team, managing a facility, and expanding an equine therapy program.

They may also be proficient in providing training and supervision to therapy staff.

Finally, some organizations may require their Equine Therapy Program Coordinators to have advanced certification in equine-assisted therapy, or to be licensed mental health professionals.

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Equine Therapy Program Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to mental health, such as psychology, social work, or counseling.

However, a degree in equine studies, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine may also be beneficial.

In addition to the academic qualifications, they need specialized training in equine therapy.

This can be obtained through certificate programs or workshops accredited by recognized bodies such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

Some positions may require a master’s degree in therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted psychotherapy, or a similar field.

Many roles require the individual to have a certain amount of supervised professional experience in providing equine therapy.

The exact requirements may vary, but most typically require one to three years of experience.

In terms of licensure, some states may require equine therapy program coordinators to be licensed mental health professionals.

Additional certifications such as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) can also be beneficial.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay updated on the latest techniques and research in equine therapy.

Many professionals attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to further their knowledge and skills.

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator is $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can range significantly based on factors such as the size and location of the facility, years of experience in the field, and level of education.

Additionally, benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions can also influence total compensation.

 

Equine Therapy Program Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator need?

An Equine Therapy Program Coordinator usually requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, special education, or a related field.

Furthermore, certification as a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor may be required.

Some coordinators also possess a master’s degree in counseling or occupational therapy.

 

What skills are important for an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator?

Equine Therapy Program Coordinators need strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, staff, and other healthcare professionals.

They should also have a solid understanding of horse behavior and equine care.

Administrative skills for program coordination, planning, and evaluation are also essential.

Additionally, the ability to empathize with clients facing various physical and mental health challenges is critical.

 

What does a typical day look like for an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator?

A typical day may include scheduling and supervising therapy sessions, coordinating with therapists and clients, overseeing the health and well-being of therapy horses, and maintaining records of each therapy session.

They may also liaise with other healthcare professionals to understand the therapeutic needs of each client better and tailor the program accordingly.

 

What qualities make a good Equine Therapy Program Coordinator?

A good Equine Therapy Program Coordinator should have excellent organizational and management skills to effectively run the therapy program.

They should also have a deep understanding and respect for the therapeutic power of horses.

Empathy and compassion for clients, a passion for helping others, and the ability to work well in a team are also essential qualities.

 

How physically demanding is the role of an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator?

While much of the role involves coordinating and managing, it also requires a significant amount of physical activity.

This includes working directly with horses, which may involve feeding, grooming, and exercising them.

The role may also require assisting clients during therapy sessions, which can sometimes be physically demanding.

Therefore, a certain level of physical fitness is necessary for this position.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it truly means to be an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about riding horses.

It’s about shaping lives and fostering healing, one horse-led therapy session at a time.

Armed with our go-to Equine Therapy Program Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Gallop further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating ultra-precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session contributes to a greater journey of healing.

Let’s create those journeys. Together.

How to Become an Equine Therapy Program Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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