Agency

Department

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in the Department of Animal Science. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

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The Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor provides specialized instruction in adaptive horseback riding and horsemanship activities for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, developmental, or a combination of disabilities. The instructor is responsible for designing and implementing adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons, ensuring participant safety, training and mentoring volunteers, maintaining compliance with industry standards, and assisting with the development of the therapeutic riding program.

This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible hourly position, subject to program needs and funding availability, located on Tarleton's main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Program is ongoing with services provided throughout the entire year. Program hours vary based on demand and participant scheduling during standard work hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, typically 1-3 hours weekly, and evening and weekend hours may be required. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group adaptive/therapeutic horsemanship lessons.
• Develop participant goals and lesson plans based on individual abilities and needs.
• Maintain compliance with Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) standards and industry best practices.
• Evaluate participant progress and maintain appropriate records.
• Train and supervise volunteers assisting with therapeutic riding sessions.
• Ensure horse, volunteer, and participant safety during lessons and related activities.
• Assist with risk management, emergency procedures, and program safety protocols.
• Collaborate with university personnel, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
• Provide recommendations regarding horse suitability, equipment, and adaptive riding resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Advanced Level Therapeutic Riding Instructor, or Master Level Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification.
• Demonstrated experience teaching adaptive or therapeutic riding lessons.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of equine behavior, horsemanship, and risk management practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of adaptive/therapeutic riding instruction techniques.
• Knowledge of disabilities and participant-centered programming.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently lead therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship lessons.
• Ability to assess safety risks and respond appropriately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, caregivers, volunteers, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Equine Science, Animal Science, Kinesiology, Education, Recreation, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience training and managing volunteers.

Work Schedule

• Part-time, hourly position, subject to program needs and funding availability.
• Hours vary based on program demand and participant scheduling, typically 1-3 hours weekly.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.