How to Be Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 27, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructors provide specialized instruction to individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social disabilities. These specialized riding lessons can have a profoundly positive effect on the overall well-being of a person. The physical benefits of therapeutic riding include improved balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle tone, posture, and strength.

the act of riding a horse can increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and communication skills while also providing an opportunity for social interaction. By providing an enjoyable and safe environment, an Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructor can help individuals with disabilities to gain the confidence and skills necessary to reach their full potential.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in equine science, equine studies, or a related field. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to teach therapeutic riding.
Become certified as an instructor by completing a therapeutic riding instructor certification program. Most programs require you to have at least 50 hours of riding experience, as well as knowledge of anatomy, teaching techniques, and therapeutic riding instruction.
Take additional courses or workshops in therapeutic riding instruction, psychology, adaptive techniques, and other related topics. These courses will help you gain the skills needed to effectively teach riders with special needs.
Get certified in CPR and first aid. This will ensure that you are prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise while teaching riding lessons.
Obtain experience working with individuals with special needs. Volunteering or working as an assistant at a therapeutic riding center is a great way to gain this type of experience.
Join professional organizations such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl. ) and the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). These organizations provide access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education courses.
Consider obtaining additional certifications such as PATH Intl. -registered therapeutic riding instructor or AHA-certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist. This can help you stand out from the competition and increase your job opportunities.

It is essential for Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructors to stay ahead and capable in order to be successful. To do this, they must continually practice their riding skills and stay up to date on the latest techniques, safety protocols, and best practices. they must have an understanding of equine anatomy, psychology, and behavior in order to better assess the needs of their riders.

Furthermore, a good instructor will invest in their own education by attending conferences and continuing education courses to further expand their knowledge base. With all of these steps, Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructors can maintain the ability to provide effective and safe instruction for their riders.

You may want to check Equestrian Instructor, Equestrian Exercise Rider, and Equestrian Saddler for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement riding lesson plans for individuals with special needs.
Monitor and assess the progress of students in accordance with safety standards and goals set by the organization.
Instruct students on horseback riding skills and techniques, such as mounting, dismounting, posting, and turning.
Supervise and direct volunteers in the implementation of riding lesson plans.
Provide emotional support and guidance for individuals with special needs.
Maintain records of client progress, such as attendance, milestones achieved, and behavioral issues.
Foster a safe learning environment for students and volunteers by adhering to safety protocols.
Provide crisis intervention as needed.
Educate volunteers on horse care and equipment maintenance.
Assist with fundraising activities to support the therapeutic riding program.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Demonstrate knowledge of, and ability to teach, therapeutic riding skills.
Ability to recognize physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities in riders.
Ability to create goals and objectives for individual riders based on their individual needs.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and safety concerns.
Ability to lead therapeutic riding sessions that are developmentally appropriate and motivating for riders.
Demonstrate knowledge of horsemanship and horse behavior.
Ability to effectively communicate with both riders and their families.
Ability to maintain and care for the riding facility, equipment, and horses.
Ability to work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers.
Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and able to maintain a safe environment.

Being an equestrian therapeutic riding instructor requires a variety of skills and abilities in order to be successful. The most important skill for an equestrian therapeutic riding instructor is their ability to effectively communicate with their riders, as this is essential for creating a safe and successful environment. Good communication skills require the ability to listen, understand and empathize with the riders, as well as to provide clear instructions and guidance.

having a good knowledge of horse behavior, horsemanship and riding skills is essential to ensure the safety of both the rider and the horse. Furthermore, it is important that the instructor has a strong understanding of the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, and be able to recognize and respond to changes in the rider's physical and emotional state. Lastly, having an understanding of the regulations and standards set by organizations such as PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) is necessary in order to ensure that the instructor is meeting the highest standard of care.

having these skills and abilities will enable the instructor to provide a safe and successful therapeutic riding experience for their riders.

Equestrian Stable Hand, Equestrian Apprenticeship Instructor, and Equestrian Rodeo Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with people with special needs?
What qualifications do you have to teach equestrian therapeutic riding?
How do you motivate your students to progress in their riding skills?
Describe a successful lesson plan you have implemented in the past.
How do you maintain a safe environment for your students?
What techniques do you use to monitor student progress?
How do you manage different student abilities and goals in one lesson?
What strategies do you use to engage students who are reluctant to participate in equestrian therapeutic riding?
How do you ensure that each student is receiving appropriate instruction?
What strategies do you use to foster an encouraging and positive environment for your students?

Common Tools in Industry

Saddle. A padded seat used to sit on a horse while riding. (eg: English Saddle)
Bridle. A piece of equipment used to control a horse. (eg: Figure 8 Bridle)
Stirrups. Loops attached to a saddle that the rider places their feet in while riding. (eg: Safety Stirrups)
Riding Helmet. Protective headgear worn by riders while riding. (eg: ASTM/SEI Certified Riding Helmet)
Riding Whip. A slender, flexible whip used to assist with directional control of the horse. (eg: Dressage Whip)
Lunging Line. A long line attached to a halter used to lunge a horse. (eg: 20-foot Lunging Line)
Horse Halter. A piece of equipment used to help control a horse's head and neck. (eg: English Leather Horse Halter)
Grooming Tools. Various brushes and combs used to keep a horse clean and healthy. (eg: Mane & Tail Brush Set)
Hoof Pick. A tool used to remove dirt and debris from a horse's hooves. (eg: Hoof Nippers Hoof Pick)
First Aid Kit. A collection of medical supplies used to treat minor injuries and ailments on a horse. (eg: Equine First Aid Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl. )
American Hippotherapy Association
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)
The British Horse Society (BHS)
American Horse Council
United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
United States Eventing Association (USEA)
Pony Club
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

We also have Equestrian Groomer, Equestrian Horsemanship Instructor, and Equestrian Equipment Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hippotherapy. The use of horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment.
Therapeutic Riding. The use of horseback riding to help improve physical, mental, and emotional health.
Unmounted Activities. Activities that involve the horse but do not involve riding, such as grooming, tacking, and leading the horse.
Adaptive Riding. A type of therapeutic riding that is tailored to people with disabilities.
Horsemanship. The knowledge and skills necessary for the safe handling of horses and the proper execution of riding techniques.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). A type of therapy that uses horses to help people develop life skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). A type of therapy that uses horses to help people explore their emotions and develop psychological insight.
Equine Assisted Activities (EAA). Any activity involving contact between a human and a horse that is designed to promote physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual growth.
Groundwork. The process of teaching a horse basic commands, such as walking and turning, while on the ground.
Side-Walking. Walking alongside the horse while it is being ridden, in order to ensure the safety of both the horse and the rider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Equestrian Therapeutic Riding?

Equestrian Therapeutic Riding is an equine-assisted therapy that uses the physical and psychological benefits of horseback riding to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.

Who can benefit from Equestrian Therapeutic Riding?

Equestrian Therapeutic Riding can benefit people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.

What are the goals of Equestrian Therapeutic Riding?

The goals of Equestrian Therapeutic Riding include improved physical functioning, increased self-confidence, enhanced communication, improved social skills, and greater independence.

Who should teach Equestrian Therapeutic Riding?

Equestrian Therapeutic Riding should be taught by a qualified instructor who has completed a specialized training program and has experience working with people with disabilities.

What qualifications does an Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructor need to possess?

An Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Instructor should possess a valid instructor certification from a recognized equestrian organization, as well as knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology, safety practices, and the principles of equine-assisted therapy.