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.