Therapeutic Riding is horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Our riders learn horsemanship and riding skills in a safe environment with lessons tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. We offer instruction to riders of all skill levels and ages. The goals for those in our program are riding-skill based, but individuals and parents often report many therapeutic benefits, including improvements in physical strength, balance, coordination, mobility, self-confidence, self-control, peer interaction, and social skills. Our therapeutic lessons are taught by PATH International certified instructors who create a wide variety of games and exercises designed to meet each rider's needs. Lesson plans take into account the rider's physical, emotional, and mental strengths and limitations. Our instructors partner with the parents to determine what the lesson will include based on the needs of our riders. Most lessons include grooming the horse, riding both in the arena and out on the trail. With the combination of a trusted horse, instructor, and group of volunteers, our riders become more willing to try new things and strive to reach their goals! |
Our Riders
Therapeutic Riding utilizes the unique qualities of the horse to reflect positive changes in the lives of our riders with disabilities. Our program provides benefits that can be life-changing. This can include strengthening muscles, preventing bone and joint weakness, improving balance, and enhancing hand/eye coordination. These benefits improve a rider’s overall health, which leads to a happier life! Other benefits include gaining confidence and independence, while improving communication skills. Because our riders work with a team, they also experience more social interaction and are handed different opportunities to interact with their volunteers and the horses! When riding, we work on skills through games and activities that will assist with enhancing those communication skills while working on problem-solving, concentration and memory. All while working to achieve both short and long term goals. 
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Those who can benefit from therapeutic riding include, but are not limited to:
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