Therapeutic Riding

Riding horses for therapeutic purposes has helped children with a very wide range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, amputation, developmental disorders, spinal cord injury, brain injury, Cerebral Palsy, seizure disorders, visual and hearing impairment, learning disorders, emotional problems, anxiety disorder, behavioral problems, and other problems. Riding horses improves muscle tone, balance, posture, motor coordination, concentration, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Rider Packet

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a term used to describe the movement of a horse as part of a treatment strategy when used by physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The word hippotherapy comes from the Greek word "hippos" meaning horse. Hippotherapy requires a prescription from a physician.

The natural movement of the horse is used to help individuals increase their functional abilities. The horse’s movement translates through the person, causing many parts of the body to do work. This response is sometimes achieved without the person’s awareness of their effort. The therapist can modify the horse's movement to promote specific responses within the person. This approach to treatment uses meaningful activities and specific goals, while providing the individual with a joyful experience, in a natural setting.

Why a horse? The horse’s pelvis moves in the same three ways as a human pelvis does. This creates a movement pattern similar to human walking. The horse also provides sensory input which impacts the person's vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive systems. A foundation for the development of sensorimotor abilities is established. Therefore, motor planning abilities are promoted.

Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. Equine Therapy addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

Equine Learning

Equine learning is experiential in nature. Equine Assisted Learning means that participants learn about themselves, their group, and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing). This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by educators, and human development courses around the world.But EAL has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

The equine assisted learning model helps individuals better understand themselves and others through participating in activities with the horses and then discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. The debriefing process seeks to bridge the horse activities from the arena back to “real life,” inviting people to reflect, generalize, and apply new insights. EAL can help you become a better team player, develop problem solving skills, improve your leadership abilities, communicate more effectively, build healthier relationships, and enhance self-authenticity.Rider Packet

Client FAQs

Why do horses work?

In Hippotherapy (Horse riding therapy): The horse with its rhythmic, dynamic movement is used to influence the rider’s posture, balance, and mobility. The aim of the therapy is not riding skills but the accomplishment of specific predetermined goals of therapy. The primary goal of Hippotherapy is to improve the individuals posture, balance, mobility, and function. It is used in a variety of ways that affect the physical and psychological well being of a person with many different disorders. The movement of the horse can stimulate the spinal cord in ways that positively effect the mood, speech and sleeping patterns.

In Psychotherapy Horses are large and powerful animals, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Horses mirror moods, too; they respond negatively to negative emotions, teaching the client that his behavior can affect others, and making it necessary to modify behavior in order to work successfully with the animal.

How old does a client need to be before they can have Equine Therapy?

Clients must be at least 18 months of age and not way over 150 pounds.

Do you have adult clients or only children?

We see both children and adults. Riding has been found very beneficial in stroke victims and clients with hip and balance problems o Is there a weight limitation? Yes. A client cannot weigh over 150 pounds.

If I am in a wheelchair can I ride? Yes. We have many clients who are wheel chair patients o How much does a session cost me?

The cost of Equine Therapy is about $3250.00 per session. We know that many clients can not afford to pay for the benefits of Equine Therapy so we are grateful, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to have donors who help us scholarship many of our session. Each client is individually assessed to find a payment that works for both the client and the ranch.

Will my insurance pay for Equine Therapy?

No it will not, but many companies offer a flex pay program that allows you to deduct pre-taxed monies in order to pay for the expense.

Can siblings of my special needs child ride also?

No. We have a limited number of horses and we want to be able to serve as many clients as possible so we do not allow others to ride. We do however, know of many places that we can recommend to you where you or your children can ride.

Will my child be alone or in a group session?

Before anyone starts sessions, an evaluation is done to determine if individual or group sessions are best for the client.

What sort of special needs people do you accept?

We accept children and adults with any kind of special needs to be evaluated to see if the program is a fit for them.

If I have a Down Syndrome child with a positive Cervical Axel x-ray for Atlantoaxial Instability can they ride?

No. For the safety of your child we will need a negative x-ray on file.

Do I need to have my own horse and tack?

No. The ranch will supply the horses and the tack for your sessions

How often do I ride?

Sessions are set up for 6 or 8 weeks. Each rider will ride 1 time per week for the full session and is then re-evaluated for the next session.

When are the sessions?

Our hours of operations are:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 8:00-6:00
Wednesday from 1:00-6:00
At this time we are not offering sessions on weekends

What is my next step?

Click here to download a rider’s packet to take a look at. Before you fill out the packet contact Carri Clements to set up an evaluation. Carri can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Carri can also be contacted if you have any further question.