Therapeutic Riding

What is therapeutic horseback riding and is it therapy?

Therapeutic Riding is different from Hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding targets riding skills as a first goal. We strive to teach “Horsemanship” to our riders with special needs while offering the supports to promote success. Hippotherapy is offered by a licensed therapist (Occupational, Physical, or Speech), specifically targeting a therapy goal, and is usually prescribed by a Physician. Technically, therapeutic riding is not therapy.

What is therapeutic horseback riding and is it therapy?

  • Targets learning horsemanship skills
  • Improves muscle strength, eye hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills
  • Exercises social skills
  • Builds self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Fun outdoor recreational activity
  • Motivating

Disabilities served:

  • Autism
  • Down Syndrome
  • Developmental & Learning delays
  • ADD & ADHD,
  • Spinal defects
  • PTSD
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Anxiety, Depression and other emotional challenges
  • And many more

What does a lesson look like?

  • Customized to riders specific needs
  • Skills and age consideration in lesson groups
  • Learn grooming, saddling, and riding skills
  • Learn horse leading
  • Encouraging independence
  • Support provided when needed
  • Therapeutic benefit that  feels like fun

When do we ride?

  • Year around riding
  • 6-week sessions (six per year)
  • 1-hour/week
  • Holidays scheduled into the schedule