Therapeutic Riding lessons are equestrian skill-based lessons for children and adults with disabilities. The focus of the lessons is skill development and progression while improving the rider’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills. Helping the rider reach their full potential is of paramount importance. Taught by a certified therapeutic riding instructor, and assisted by volunteer aids, the lessons offered are group (45 minutes to an hour), or private (30 minutes). As much as possible, the riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care. Riders that have intellectual, cognitive, developmental, learning and physical (in future classes at HFTT) differences can benefit from Therapeutic Riding. Benefits of therapeutic riding can include improvements in the following areas:
- Balance
- Muscle strength
- Physical endurance
- Range of motion
- Circulation
- Respiration
- Sensorimotor integration
- Help to activate weak brain areas
- Confidence
- Motivation
- Human Animal bonding skills
- Social skills
- Responsiveness and adaptability
- Flexibility
To learn more about becoming a rider in our Therapeutic Program, go to Becoming a Therapeutic Rider. If you are interested in our standard riding lessons, go to Standard Horseback Riding Lessons.