Official education path
This training path falls under the 'other' category and requires completed physiotherapy training plus professional experience.
Top HR
Swiss professionsHealthcare
Hippotherapeut/in
Therapeutic riding art for body and mind
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You use the natural movements of a horse to strengthen your patients' muscles, balance, and coordination.
Here, working with animals and people connects in a unique way. You guide patients on horseback and use the animal's rhythmic hoofbeats as gentle therapy. With targeted support and adapted aids, you strengthen core muscles and balance. This profession requires great sensitivity, animal understanding, and solid medical knowledge.
FieldHealthcare
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryMedical Therapy & Naturopathy
Swissdoc 0.723.37.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Hippotherapeut/in.
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Hippotherapeut/in
Typical training path
Hippotherapeut/in
Prerequisites
- Abgeschlossene Ausbildung in Physiotherapie
- Knowledge of horses and riding experience
Requirements
- Experience in handling horses
Where this can lead
Career changers are possible if you have basic medical training and can prove safe horse handling skills.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Animal understanding
- Medical knowledge
- Patience and sensitivity
- Teamwork
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the riding arena and check your patient's sitting position on the horse. With calm hands and specific aids, you guide the therapeutic exercises while the animal moves steadily at a walk.
- You assess your patients' physical condition before therapy.
- You position clients safely and comfortably on the horse.
- You choose suitable aids to stabilize the sitting posture.
- You guide therapeutic exercises using the horse's rhythmic hoofbeats.
- You continuously monitor reactions and adjust the intensity.
- You document progress and discuss results with the team.
Working conditions
You work in specialized riding therapy centers, animal-assisted practices, or outpatient facilities. Sessions often take place directly in stables or on adapted riding arenas.
Where to learn
- Schweizer Gruppe für Hippotherapie-K5400 Baden
- ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften8401 Winterthur
Strengths
- Animal understanding
- Medical knowledge
- Patience and sensitivity
- Teamwork
Trade-offs
- Physical strain
- Weather dependency
- High responsibility
- Emotional exhaustion
06 · Similar
