Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic horseback riding, also called adaptive riding, is riding lessons geared towards individuals with disabilities to learn how to care and ride for horses.
What is Therapeutic Riding?
- Therapeutic riding, also called adaptive riding, is horseback riding that is adaptive to a riders abilities.
What is the cost?
- Payment for the session is due at the beginning of the session. Each lesson is $45 so for a 8 week session, the final cost will be $360.
How often do riders ride? / How long is a lesson?
- Riders will ride once a week and the lessons are 45 minutes each with at least 30 minutes of horseback time.
Who can ride?
- Riders must be at least 3 years old. For our horses' health and safety, riders must weigh under 250lbs. Anyone with a diagnosed physical or mental disability is allowed to ride.
What equipment do I need to ride?
- All riders must have a ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. Other helmets, such as a biking helmet, are not allowed as they dont meet the safety standards an equestrian helmet meets. Milestones have a selection of helmets riders can use during their lesson but it is recommended for riders to buy their own helmet that will fit their head every time. Always buy new as you dont know a helmets history. Helmets should be replaced after a fall or every 5 years as the materials degrade. Riders must also have closed toed boots or sneakers. Riders with sandals or flip flops will not be allowed to ride that lesson. As we ride in a barn or outdoors, riders should dress for the outdoor weather.
How does TR benefit riders?
- The movement of the horse helps riders improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Helps improve confidence.
What are lessons like?
- Lessons are 45 minutes long with 30 minutes of riding and 15 minutes of getting horses ready for their lesson. Riders will groom their horse and get their own reins at the beginning of the lesson as well as put their reins away at the end. Each rider will get a leader and up to 2 sidewalkers depending on the rider's abilities.
Who teaches lessons?
- Each lesson is taught by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) or a CTRI in training that is supervised by a CTRI. CTRIs are certified through PATH Intl.
How to sign up for lessons?
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Links to sign up for lessons.
The structured, yet self-paced, program consists of three levels: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced.
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Beginning level:
students learn about horses, horse grooming, and the basics of horsemanship. Students are required to ride with a leader and up to two side-walkers. -
Intermediate and Advanced levels:
leaders and side-walkers are still present, but students rely more on their developing skills. Some advanced students achieve the level of riding independently. -
All levels:
students not only ride, but also complete tasks and exercises involving rings, balls, numbers, and letters. All activities are designed to improve riding skills as well as flexibility, balance, and overall body movement.
Benefits
Individuals with disabilities benefit psychologically, behaviorally, and physically from therapeutic riding activities.
Psychological and Behavioral Benefits
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Teaches trust through the rider/horse bond
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Teaches problem-solving skills
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Teaches the use of patience to control the horse
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Enhances decision-making skills
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Promotes responsibility and cooperation
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Increases the ability to focus and stay on task
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Boosts self-esteem and pride
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Instills a sense of accomplishment
Physical Benefits
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Improves balance and strengthens muscles as the rider learns proper posture and is motivated to self-correct to maintain a secure seat on the horse
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Improves coordination, both on and off the horse
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Improves range of motion
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Replicates the muscle movements of walking
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Stimulates the vestibular, nervous, and circulatory systems
