Riding Instructor/Equine Specialist

Paws for Reflection Ranch is seeking a dedicated and skilled Riding Instructor/Horse Specialist to join our team. This role is essential for delivering high-quality equine-related services and supporting the well-being of our animal partners.  

The ideal candidate is an independent professional who is knowledgeable about equine care and instruction, committed to following ranch policies, and eager to work in a collaborative, nature-based environment.

 Therapeutic Session Support 

•  Partner with licensed counselors to co-facilitate equine-assisted counseling sessions for individuals, groups, or families. 
• Monitor the horse’s body language and energy to provide real-time feedback to the counselor and client regarding the horse’s "mirroring" of human emotions. 
• Maintain absolute control of the environment to ensure the physical safety of the client, therapist, and horse at all times. 

Adaptive Riding Instruction 

• Develop and implement riding lesson plans specifically designed for clients with diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, autism, or physical disabilities). 
• Teach foundational horsemanship, including grooming, tacking, leading, and mounted skills, with an emphasis on confidence and self-regulation. 
• Ensure all adaptive tack and safety equipment are properly fitted and maintained. 

Equine Care & Management 

• Assist in the daily care, feeding, and monitoring of the ranch’s therapeutic herd to ensure they remain physically fit and mentally balanced for work. 
• Regularly school and "tune up" the horses to maintain their responsiveness and desensitization to various therapeutic tools and client behaviors. 
• Maintain the arena, round pen, and barn areas to the high standards of a therapeutic facility. 

Documentation & Coordination 

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA and ethical guidelines. 
• Record notes on equine behavior during sessions and client progress regarding horsemanship and riding goals.   
• Work collaboratively with the ranch team (e.g., animal handlers, stable staff, therapists) to ensure client safety, animal welfare, and seamless integration of therapeutic activities. 
• Participate in the planning and development of new therapeutic programs, workshops, and retreats that leverage the ranch environment and animal resources. 

•  Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in horse training or riding instruction. Advanced understanding of equine psychology, herd dynamics, and natural horsemanship techniques. 
• Skills: Strong critical thinking, excellent communication (verbal and written), organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Technology & EHR Proficiency: Demonstrated competence and hands-on experience utilizing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for documentation, scheduling, billing, and maintaining HIPAA-compliant client records. 
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, navigate ranch terrain, and preform animal-related tasks. 

•  Certification: PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), ESMHL certification, etc. a plus but not required. 
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations and various age groups (children, adolescents, and adults). 

 Join a supportive and innovative environment. We offer: 

• Flexible Scheduling. 
• The unique joy of working in a peaceful, natural setting with a dedicated team and incredible animal co-therapists. 
• Structured opportunity for professional growth and training in animal-assisted modalities. 
• Opportunity to participate in fun community activities and outreach events. 

 Please submit your resume, a letter of interest detailing your experience and goals as a riding instructor, and three professional/personal references.