We are a busy business based in Chandler. We have the option for someone to join our team as a therapeutic assistant riding coach with a background ideally with working with mental health and a lot of ridden experience. Opportunity to expand to in 2024 with own clients. There is room to grow – we have a team of competition horses so to expand we would need to mentor you in the techniques that they excel at. A background in natural horsemanship, spiritual awareness and a holistic approach is preferred. We have a beautiful community of keen participants and a talented herd. A love of horses and experience with teaching people with horses is a must. We are only considering participants with extensive horse experience. You will personally have a high level of riding. You will know how to teach English riding and enforce our ethos that we don’t pull, kick or make our horses. 

You enjoy working with animals and children and look for the positives in every situation.

Start with part time hours straight away and in 2024 opportunity to build to full time. 

You are qualified in one or more of the following:

• occupational therapy
• horse riding coach
• Exercise physiologist
• Physiotherapist
• Counsellor
• social worker

Responsibilities:

• At first support and learn techniques. Mix of stable hand, assisting and training.
• Provide equine-assisted therapy ridden sessions to children, using horses as a therapeutic tool to address physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges using our techniques.
• Assess children’s progress, track their development, and maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of both the participant and the horses during therapy sessions, following proper handling and safety protocols.
• Develop and implement therapeutic activities and exercises that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive growth following our guidelines.
• Provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers, educating them about the benefits of equine therapy and involving them in the treatment process.

opportunity for growth:

• Conduct individual and group counselling sessions, incorporating equine activities and interventions based on the unique needs and goals of each child.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine the suitability and goals of equine therapy for each participant.
• Have own clients with an increase in salary the more independent you develop your skill set honouring our unique horsemanship and ridden techniques. We have a waiting list and want to support them.

Requirements:

• Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in counselling, psychology, occupational therapy, social work or a related field. OR horse riding to a very high level.
• If a therapist then registered with either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration, or a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
• Experience and/or certification or training in equine-assisted therapy or hippotherapy or experience teaching horse riding and handling.
• Experience working with children and adults with disabilities and an understanding of their unique needs.
• Strong counselling and empathy skills and the ability to establish rapport with children and their families.
• Knowledge of various counselling techniques and modalities suitable for children and adults using horses as a therapeutic tool.

Please state your experience, horse ethos and salary expectations when applying. 

Must be available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays afternoons and after school hours.

Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.