Benefits of therapeutic riding

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.

There are many benefits of therapeutic lessons. Some of these include:

Boosts self esteem
Muscular Improvement
Incentives for Learning
Love & Reassurance
Improves Balance
Emotionally calming
Opportunities for socializing
Increase concentration

Special Needs Served:

We work with children and adults with a wide range of life challenges, like:

Learning Disabilities
Developmental Delay
Autism
Down Syndrome
Hearing/Visually Impairment
Cerebral Palsy
Traumatic Brain Injury
Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
PTSD
Psychological or Behavioral Challenges
Amputation
Attention deficit disorder
Paralysis
Closed Head Injury
Spina Bifida
Emotional Disorders
Physical, mental, emotional, social, and disability
Language development

NOTE: While horseback riding and acquiring horsemanship skills have a therapeutic effect, it is not “therapy” in that equine-assisted activities are provided by a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic (adaptive) riding instructors and not licensed therapists such as physical or occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists or psychotherapy professionals.