Therapeutic Riding
Having a disability does not have to preclude a person from riding horses. Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding is recreational horseback riding, and horsemanship, lessons adapted for each individual’s ability. At Hearts, we utilize equine-assisted mounted and unmounted activities to facilitate healing and learning for individuals whose minds, bodies and spirits will benefit from the connection between people and horses.
Therapeutic riding is proven to be transformative for individuals with a wide array of diagnoses and challenges including neurologic, orthopedic, developmental, and acquired disabilities, as well as sensory and mental health issues. Some of the many benefits of horseback riding include:
- Strengthening muscles
- Improving balance and flexibility
- Enhancing head control and eye/hand coordination
- Strengthening expressive and receptive language skills
- Improving concentration, patience, and self-esteem
- Increasing compassion and a sense of belonging
Adaptive horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors, as well as an avenue to bond with their horse, instructor, volunteers, and peers.
Riders are enrolled at Hearts on an annual basis.Tuition fees are for 45 weekly lessons, and is pro-rated accordingly. Potential participants must be a minimum of six years old. All applicants will be evaluated for eligibility and potential contraindications to therapeutic riding.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about adaptive riding at Hearts, please fill out the Inquiry Form below and someone from our program department will contact you..
