Join Our Team

Horses for Hope: Excellence in Horsemanship, Rooted in Purpose

At Horses for Hope, our mission is to promote wellness, strength, and hope—all in partnership with a horse. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’ve provided therapeutic and traditional riding programs since 2003, helping riders grow in confidence, skill, and connection. While we are mostly volunteer-led, we also offer a few paid instructor positions that are essential to sustaining our programs and expanding our impact. Our instructors combine expertise, compassion, and a love for teaching to help riders of all ages and abilities thrive.

If you’re inspired by the healing power of horses and want to make a difference, we invite you to explore our current openings below.

Open Positions

Position Details

Role: Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Location: 2909 Banks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
Type: Part-Time (Evenings/Weekends may be required)
Compensation: Based on experience and certification(s)

Horses for Hope is a well-established nonprofit therapeutic riding center seeking a compassionate, experienced Therapeutic Riding Instructor to join our team. For more than 20 years, we have facilitated equine-assisted therapeutic programs that foster measurable improvements in mobility, confidence, and emotional regulation.

This is a hands-on support and teaching role, not a management position. You’ll work closely with and report to our Head Trainer and Barn Manager, contributing to an established therapeutic riding program’s current initiatives in a team-oriented setting.

Responsibilities

  • Teach adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons for children and adults with a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Follow established program curricula, safety protocols, and horse assignments under the supervision of the Head Trainer and Barn Manager.
  • Collaborate closely with staff and volunteers to ensure smooth lesson flow and consistent communication.
  • Assist with rider evaluations, progress documentation, and basic horse care as needed.


Qualifications

  • PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor strongly preferred; those currently pursuing a certification will be considered. For those currently pursuing the certification, our team asks that you:
    • Be fully enrolled in the PATH program;
    • have documented supervised hours in equine handling;
    • have documented supervised hours working with students who have special needs;
    • and have documented supervised hours of teaching therapeutic riding sessions.
  • At least 2 years of experience teaching adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills; able to follow direction and contribute positively to a coordinated program.
  • A supportive, respectful attitude toward riders, families, volunteers, and fellow staff members.


Schedule
Lessons typically take place weekday afternoons/evenings and on weekends. Some flexibility is available based on programming needs.

Why Join Us?
This is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference through equine-assisted programs that promote healing, growth, and joy. You’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values consistency, safety, and compassion—where every instructor plays an essential role in helping riders thrive.

To apply, please complete our online application provided below by selecting “Apply Now.”
In the application, you’ll be asked to attach your resume and a short statement of interest describing your experience with therapeutic riding instruction and your approach to teamwork. Everything you provide in your application will remain confidential.

Apply now

Our team is thankful for your time and consideration!

volunteer opportunities

Volunteer with us!

Horses for Hope couldn’t flourish without its volunteers.

LEARN MORE about volunteering