How to become a hippotherapy instructor

If you have a passion for horses and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, becoming a hippotherapy may be the perfect career choice for you. Hippotherapy is a therapeutic intervention that uses horses to help individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges improve their overall well-being. As a hippotherapy instructor, you have the opportunity to combine your love for horses with your desire to help others. Here are the steps you can take to a qualified hippotherapy instructor.

1. Gain Experience with Horses:
Before aspiring to become a hippotherapy instructor, it is essential to gain experience working with horses. This can be achieved by volunteering at local stables or equestrian centers, where you can learn basic horse care, handling techniques, and riding skills. By spending time with horses, you will develop an understanding of their behavior, needs, and how to create a safe and positive environment for both the horse and the individuals you will be working with.

2. Obtain the Necessary Education:
While it is not mandatory to have a formal degree to become a hippotherapy instructor, acquiring relevant education will significantly enhance your knowledge and skillset. Pursuing a degree in fields such as therapeutic riding, occupational therapy, or physical therapy can provide an in-depth understanding of the therapeutic principles used in hippotherapy. Additionally, courses or certifications specific to equine-assisted therapy and hippotherapy can also be beneficial.

3. Volunteer or Work at a Hippotherapy Center:
To gain practical experience and further develop your skills, seek opportunities to volunteer or work at a hippotherapy center. By working with experienced hippotherapists, you will learn how to conduct therapy sessions, assess clients’ needs, and assist in creating appropriate treatment plans. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in preparing you for your future role as a hippotherapy instructor.

4. Obtain Certification:
While certification is not universally required to practice hippotherapy, it is highly recommended. The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) offers certification programs for both therapists and instructors. To become a Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS), you must have a professional degree in a related field and complete an extensive practical and written exam. This certification will validate your competency as a hippotherapy instructor and demonstrate your commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice.

5. Continue Professional Development:
As with any field, staying up-to-date with the latest research and practices is crucial to providing the best care possible. Participate in workshops, conferences, and seminars related to hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapy to continually expand and refine your knowledge. Continuing education not only strengthens your skills as a hippotherapy instructor but also ensures that you are aware of new developments in the field.

6. Build a Network:
Networking is an essential aspect of any profession, including the hippotherapy community. Joining professional organizations such as the AHA or local therapeutic riding associations can provide opportunities to connect with other professionals, exchange knowledge and experiences, and stay informed about relevant industry news. Building a strong network can also lead to potential job opportunities or partnerships in the future.

Becoming a hippotherapy instructor requires dedication, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. By gaining experience, obtaining the necessary education, volunteering, obtaining certification, continuing professional development, and building a network, you can embark on a fulfilling career as a hippotherapy instructor. Inspiring change and improvement in people’s lives through the bond between humans and horses is a rewarding journey that can bring joy to both you and those you help.