Therapeutic riding

Therapeutic Riding program is designed for persons with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. 

Horseback riding has been used since the early 1950s in Europe as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.  Individuals with almost any  disability can benefit from riding, driving, vaulting, competition or other purposeful, safe and supervised interaction with equines.

Traditionally, therapeutic riding is not a treatment.  During a therapeutic riding session, a riding instructor is teaching riding skills. Some therapeutic riding programs use therapists as consultants.  Others, called hippotherapy, use the horse as part of the therapy.  A therapist is often the instructor.

 because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

both children and adults can take part in this program.  However, due to the size of our horses, we must limit the rider's weight to under 200 pounds.

Individuals with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from equine facilitated activities (click on the links for Facts Sheets about horseback riding and that particular disability):

When needed, we provide a three to one ratio of volunteers to riders.  These riders are led with two side walkers.  As the rider's ability increases, the number of side walkers decrease.  The ultimate goal is independent riding.

 
Each session lasts approximately one hour.  This includes horsemanship as well as riding. Cost is $20 per lesson.

For more information on Therapeutic Riding, read  Report on the Effectiveness of Therapeutic Riding

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