Therapeutic Horsemanship Groups

Our therapeutic horsemanship sessions include a series of challenging obstacles and exercises which improve mobility, concentration and balance. Therapeutic horsemanship is a dynamic treatment approach that uses the movement of the horse based on principles of classic hippotherapy-neuromotor function and sensory processing. This program uses the horse as the therapy tool and is designed for individuals with disabilities to increase balance and control of movement on and off the horse.

At the beginning of each session, depending on their ability, each student is taught the proper way to groom the horse. Each student is able to brush the horse's coat and mane and pick the horse's hooves. Depending on the student's riding abilities, we provide support through the use of side walkers, leaders, spotters, and back riders. Types of riding include english, western and bareback, which can be done using a pad and surcingle or totally bare.

It is so rewarding to see a child, who at the beginning of a lesson is quiet and hesitant, light up with giggles and a smile on the horse's back. One thing that we always try to focus on is the rider's ABILITIES, not their disabilities.