Adaptive Horseback Riding Instructor-in-Training

Job description

About the Organization

Ride for Joy is a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding program in Caldwell that serves children and adults with disabilities as well as military veterans. Our mission is to support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing through life-changing equine-assisted services.

Position Summary

The Instructor-in-Training program prepares individuals to become Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Instructors-in-Training work under the guidance and supervision of certified instructors while they gain the skills and knowledge to plan and facilitate equine-assisted activities that follow PATH Intl. standards. Before starting as a paid Instructor-in-Training, applicants must complete:

• 8 or more hours of side walking experience at RFJ (this involves directly supporting riders during their lessons)
• 5 hours of shadowing a certified instructor

Responsibilities

• Planning and teaching safe and goal-oriented riding lessons, following established Ride for Joy policies and procedures, under the supervision of a certified instructor.
• Developing skills to evaluate and document the abilities of participants and demonstrate an understanding of their disabilities.
• Preparing written lesson plans for each assigned rider.
• Keeping notes to track participants' progress.
• Assisting with the selection of and monitoring the appropriateness of assigned equines and tack, under the supervision of a certified instructor.
• Setting-up and taking-down props, toys, and equipment before and after lessons.
• Meeting regularly with a PATH Intl. mentor to ensure RFJ and PATH Intl. policies and guidelines are being met and progress toward certification is made within the time parameters set by the certification process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to assist with mounting and dismounting participants from the ground and ramp.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods in a sand arena in potentially extreme temperatures.
• Must be physically able to move props and equipment used in lessons.

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Intermediate to advanced horsemanship skills (i.e. ability to walk, trot, cater/lope, and perform patterns like figure eights and serpentines, knowledge of trotting diagonals, leads, grooming, and tack)
• Availability to work on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to become certified within 30 days
• Access to a computer and competent word processing and email skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants
• Interest in equine-assisted services and commitment to Ride for Joy’s mission

Preferred Qualifications

• College coursework in a human services field
• Experience coaching, tutoring, or teaching
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, children, and/or military veterans
• Familiarity with PATH Intl.

To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to info@rideforjoy.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 15 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16