Equine Assisted Services

Equine Assisted Services are beneficial to all ages of participants with special physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, social and/or emotional needs. Therapeutic riding lessons are taught by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Certified Instructors in a safe, natural outdoor setting providing appropriate sensory input and a healthy environment.

THE SPRING SESSION REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. To join a wait list, email Info@RhythmsOfGraceEquine.org to inquire about next steps.

The summer session runs May 5-June 12. Registrations will close April 10.

Ready to Apply?

Paperwork + session payment must be submitted prior to participation.

  1. Submit the 2025 Participant Application and the Physician Form. These forms MUST BE SUBMITTED ANNUALLY prior to participation. The physician form may need to be printed out for your physician, then mailed or emailed to our office. Call 515-305-7361 with questions. You may download this Physician Form to print and take to your physician for completion.

  2. Submit the Rhythms of Grace Registration Form with all available options to increase the likelihood of securing your preferred therapy or class time.

  3. NEW PARTICIPANTS submit the Registration Form and must schedule an INTAKE EVALUATION. Reach out for details.

Our Programs

Goals are developed and skills are taught to carry over into the daily lives of participants. Equine Assisted Services are offered by Rhythms of Grace professionals who partner with horses to help people via horsemanship, learning and therapy. We offer three different programs through our Equine Assisted Services.

  • Therapeutic riding builds strength and confidence. Riders develop independence, empathy, safety, decision-making and a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills that impact their daily lives through customized lesson plans. It’s beneficial to individuals and groups with a variety of special needs, conditions, diagnosis and/or disabilities.

  • Equine-assisted psychotherapy, trauma informed care and learning are offered by licensed therapists and credentialed equine professionals. In addition to care through therapy, participants learn general equine knowledge, horse behavior, communication, empathy and other social skills by interacting with horses from the ground. The horse helps teach relationship and connection skills such as trust, respect, honesty and communication.

  • Licensed therapists use equines to support counseling, occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology and psychotherapy. Specific therapies, treatments or interventions may incorporate horse movement or the horse’s environment to address medical, cognitive, or behavioral health conditions as part of the individualized plan of care.