3 answers
Aurora
Student
Saint Michael, Minnesota
7
Questions
Asked
1667 views
How do I start equine ocupational theripy?
Me and my mom were coming up with ideas and This job I am really wanting to go into. I have ideas of helping kids learn with horses by their side. I want to know if there is somthing I should know befor going to collage. Any classes that whould help me get to my job. I have a horse aready. I would also want to kow how much theas types of therapists make. I would have my own bissness or rent out a place.
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3 answers
Beth Burgess PT, MS, GCS
Physical Therapist
56
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Hi Aurora!
There are several options for therapy with horses. Your first step should be to find a therapeutic riding or hippotherapy stable in your area. They are not very common, so you will have to search. The stables always need volunteers for side walking or mounting assist. See if you like it. Special Olympics has an equine division- you might check there too.
There are therapeutic riding instructors who are horse people with extra training. There are also occupational and physical therapists who work with the horse people.
Running your own program is a lot of business, fundraising, coordinating volunteers as well as care for the animals. The programs in my area are owned by interested horse people who contract with therapists. The therapists charge an hourly rate like you would at a clinic. Depending on how busy you are, you would make $70-90,000/year.
Physical and Occupational therapy is a graduate degree needing 6-7 years of college. You will have lots of science like biology, physiology, anatomy. Also physics and chemistry and psychology. You also have social science like sociology and English ( we have to write insurance letters and grant proposals).
If you like the idea of owning the stable, you might do better going into business and learn about not-for-profit businesses and how to fund them. As a stable owner, you will work hard about be around other horse lovers. Money is also challenging, but is very rewarding. My stable owner friends drive old trucks and wear old wranglers but they are happy.
Research Hipotherapy and therapeutic riding.
Go to American occupational therapy association website
Keep up your grades, therapy is very competitive.
There are several options for therapy with horses. Your first step should be to find a therapeutic riding or hippotherapy stable in your area. They are not very common, so you will have to search. The stables always need volunteers for side walking or mounting assist. See if you like it. Special Olympics has an equine division- you might check there too.
There are therapeutic riding instructors who are horse people with extra training. There are also occupational and physical therapists who work with the horse people.
Running your own program is a lot of business, fundraising, coordinating volunteers as well as care for the animals. The programs in my area are owned by interested horse people who contract with therapists. The therapists charge an hourly rate like you would at a clinic. Depending on how busy you are, you would make $70-90,000/year.
Physical and Occupational therapy is a graduate degree needing 6-7 years of college. You will have lots of science like biology, physiology, anatomy. Also physics and chemistry and psychology. You also have social science like sociology and English ( we have to write insurance letters and grant proposals).
If you like the idea of owning the stable, you might do better going into business and learn about not-for-profit businesses and how to fund them. As a stable owner, you will work hard about be around other horse lovers. Money is also challenging, but is very rewarding. My stable owner friends drive old trucks and wear old wranglers but they are happy.
Beth recommends the following next steps:
Temitayo Otemoye
Educationist
11
Answers
Owode, OG
Updated
Temitayo’s Answer
To start a career in equine occupational therapy, you will need to follow several steps. Here's a general guide to help you get started:
1. Gain a solid foundation in occupational therapy: Obtain a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the appropriate professional organization in your country.
2. Obtain relevant experience: While completing your degree, gain experience working with horses and in equine-related settings. Volunteer at therapeutic riding centers or horse stables that offer equine-assisted activities. This will provide you with hands-on experience and help you understand the dynamics of working with horses in a therapeutic context.
3. Pursue a master's degree (optional): Consider obtaining a master's degree in occupational therapy to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field. Although a master's degree may not be required to work in equine occupational therapy, it can provide a competitive edge and open up more opportunities for advanced roles.
4. Gain certification as an occupational therapist: After completing your education, you'll need to obtain licensure or certification as an occupational therapist in your country or region. This typically involves passing a licensing examination and fulfilling any additional requirements mandated by the licensing board.
5. Specialize in equine occupational therapy: Once you've become a licensed occupational therapist, you can specialize in equine occupational therapy. Seek out continuing education courses, workshops, or certifications specifically related to equine therapy. These programs will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with clients and horses.
6. Network and gain practical experience: Connect with professionals already working in the field of equine occupational therapy. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars related to equine therapy to meet and learn from experienced practitioners. Seek opportunities to observe or work under a mentor who specializes in equine occupational therapy. This practical experience will further develop your skills and understanding of the field.
7. Obtain liability insurance: As a therapist working with horses, it is important to protect yourself by obtaining professional liability insurance. This insurance coverage will safeguard you in case of any unforeseen incidents or accidents that may occur during therapy sessions.
8. Establish your practice or seek employment: Once you feel confident in your skills and knowledge, you can consider establishing your own equine occupational therapy practice or seek employment at existing equine therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics, or hospitals that offer equine-assisted therapy programs.
Remember that requirements and regulations may vary depending on your country or region, so it's essential to research the specific guidelines and professional organizations in your area to ensure compliance and to pursue the necessary credentials.
1. Gain a solid foundation in occupational therapy: Obtain a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the appropriate professional organization in your country.
2. Obtain relevant experience: While completing your degree, gain experience working with horses and in equine-related settings. Volunteer at therapeutic riding centers or horse stables that offer equine-assisted activities. This will provide you with hands-on experience and help you understand the dynamics of working with horses in a therapeutic context.
3. Pursue a master's degree (optional): Consider obtaining a master's degree in occupational therapy to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field. Although a master's degree may not be required to work in equine occupational therapy, it can provide a competitive edge and open up more opportunities for advanced roles.
4. Gain certification as an occupational therapist: After completing your education, you'll need to obtain licensure or certification as an occupational therapist in your country or region. This typically involves passing a licensing examination and fulfilling any additional requirements mandated by the licensing board.
5. Specialize in equine occupational therapy: Once you've become a licensed occupational therapist, you can specialize in equine occupational therapy. Seek out continuing education courses, workshops, or certifications specifically related to equine therapy. These programs will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with clients and horses.
6. Network and gain practical experience: Connect with professionals already working in the field of equine occupational therapy. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars related to equine therapy to meet and learn from experienced practitioners. Seek opportunities to observe or work under a mentor who specializes in equine occupational therapy. This practical experience will further develop your skills and understanding of the field.
7. Obtain liability insurance: As a therapist working with horses, it is important to protect yourself by obtaining professional liability insurance. This insurance coverage will safeguard you in case of any unforeseen incidents or accidents that may occur during therapy sessions.
8. Establish your practice or seek employment: Once you feel confident in your skills and knowledge, you can consider establishing your own equine occupational therapy practice or seek employment at existing equine therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics, or hospitals that offer equine-assisted therapy programs.
Remember that requirements and regulations may vary depending on your country or region, so it's essential to research the specific guidelines and professional organizations in your area to ensure compliance and to pursue the necessary credentials.
Stephanie Smith
Occupational Therapist
14
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
As an OT in Minnesota, I want to clarify a few things from the above response. In the US, OTs are required to have at least a master’s degree. If you are looking at doing something as specialized hippo therapy, I would recommend even looking at a doctorate program because you could do your capstone experience in hippo therapy. I wouldn’t expect to start off in your own practice. There is much to learn about both how to treat clients as well as the business logistics particularly if you are taking insurance for the therapy you are providing. OT is more psychology based where PT is more focused on biology/chemistry in school. The nice thing about OT is even if you end up deciding not to do hippo therapy, there are many other options for areas and populations to work with.