Confidence and Familiarity

The goal of the first few sessions is to build confidence and familiarity between horse and rider – psychologically and physically. Initially riders learn about appropriate clothing and equipment (tack), grooming the horse before and after riding, horse and barn etiquette and safety procedures, mounting and dismounting the horse safely, and basic riding skills. Another important aspect of the first few sessions is determining at what point it is time to end the session. Sometimes a rider’s enthusiasm lasts longer than his or her physical stamina; therefore the first few lessons are purposely brief. The length of time a rider actually spends mounted is increased each session (up to 50 minutes maximum) as the rider’s stamina and strength increases.

Beginner Riding Skills

In later sessions, also according to the rider’s rate of progress and abilities, more advanced skills are taught.  In these sessions, the goals are oriented towards the rider attaining independence (riders are not required to ride independently if they do not wish to do so).  Initially a rider starts out with a horse-handler leading the horse and one or two sidewalkers who serve as spotters in the event a rider loses balance or has insufficient postural control to stay safely balanced on their own.  Once these deficits are overcome and the rider demonstrates necessary skills and confidence to control the horse independently, he or she is allowed to ride without assistance.  Steps to attaining independence include learning to use the appropriate “aids” to ask the horse to move forward at the walk, to turn right and left, to halt, and to back up.  The rider must develop and maintain an adequate degree of balance and coordination to perform these maneuvers safely.  Sessions include mounted exercises designed to gradually build riders’ strength, tone, flexibility, and balance; all of which are physical improvements that enhance a rider’s functional abilities on and off the horse.

Advanced Riding Skills

Once a rider becomes independent at the walk, he or she may wish to learn to ride other gaits such as trot and canter, or to ride prescribed patterns (dressage tests) in the dressage ring.  These sorts of activities are offered to riders who wish to pursue riding as a sport in addition to an alternative form of exercise therapy.

Recreational Riding

Recreational riding is available only to siblings and family members of participants who are currently enrolled in a therapeutic program.  Our experienced instructors and gentle horses are beginner-friendly and will kindly help teach kids and adults how to handle and ride horses safely.  Instruction is available in a variety of English and Western disciplines.