Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity that promotes the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals. We partner with our horses to create a program that fosters a community environment with inclusion, respect and working towards independence.
Therapeutic riding is widely recognized as beneficial for people with special needs. The riding component helps develop self-awareness, build self-confidence, improve concentration, increase self-discipline, strengthen and relax muscles, improve posture and so much more! Off the horse, therapeutic horsemanship also improves confidence, attitude, and self-image by mastering new skills.
Working towards these goals, students improve their function in all activities of their lives. For riders with cognitive or emotional challenges, the relationships formed with the horse, staff, and volunteers also have therapeutic benefits.
We work with children and adults with a wide range of life challenges, like:
- Learning Disabilities
- Developmental Delay
- Down Syndrome
- Hearing/Visually Impairment
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psychological or Behavioral Challenges
NOTE: While horseback riding and acquiring horsemanship skills have a therapeutic effect, it is not “therapy” in that equine-assisted activities are provided by PATH Intl. certified therapeutic (adaptive) riding instructors and not licensed therapists such as physical or occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists or psychotherapy professionals. See our Hippotherapy page for information on this treatment strategy.