A Therapeutic Riding Lesson 

Physical Benefits

· Improved balance

· Improved strength and coordination

·  Active physical exercise

Social Benefits

· Improved acceptance by peers and in the community

· Ability to make new friends

· Learn rule following and safety skills

             Therapeutic riding is an adapted horseback riding lesson.  Participants learn riding and horsemanship skills through instruction from a NARHA certified instructor.  Riders are assisted by volunteers who may lead the horse or walk along with the rider when necessary.  The goal of therapeutic riding is for each rider to become as independent as possible.    Each rider is encouraged to meet specific riding goals as determined by the rider, family and riding instructor.  Minimum age for participation is 5 years old.    Therapeutic riding lessons at SHHRC are in a group lesson format with 2 to 5 riders of similar age and abilities.  Lessons are once a week and run in sessions:  Winter (January and February), Spring I (March and April), Spring II (May and June), Fall I (September and October), Fall II (November and December).  The cost is $40 per lesson, payable at the beginning of the session.

             Therapeutic riding (TR) combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with physical activities to improve the strength, balance and self-esteem of children and adults who have a physical and/or mental disability.

             To an individual with a disability, horseback riding takes them into a new  and unexplored world which provides a sense of independence and freedom that defies the disability.  TR challenges riders in ways they have seldom been challenged before…and they love every minute of it!

             SHHRC’s NARHA certified riding instructors design and implement activities for recreation and competition allowing individuals to participate in sport activities, adapted as needed, with a horse.  Our NARHA certified riding instructors also develop activities as forms of enjoyment, recreation and leisure, providing benefits in areas of socialization, friendship and overall improvement of life.  Individuals can participate in an atmosphere of support, structure and socialization for the sheer fun of it.

             TR lessons are usually conducted from the back of a horse that averages between 12 and 16 hands in height, is between the ages of 8 and 24 years, is sound and in good health.  A good TR horse should move forward easily and freely, respond easily to voice commands and accommodate to the riders’ needs.  No one type of breed of horse can fill all the possible roles or needs of a rider or a TR program, therefore, the type of breed isn’t critical.  Different breeds offer builds needed for a wide range of disabilities.  Color isn’t important either, but attitude and manners are critical.  The horse must be calm and unexcitable, well mannered, tolerant, patient, accepting, forgiving, responsive, reliable and adaptable.

Therapeutic Riding

             TR uses appropriate equipment based on the individual’s needs.  All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet.  Specialized equipment such as safety stirrups, customized reins and various kinds of pads may be used instead of, or along with, traditional Western or English tack.   A custom built mounting ramp and the newly installed lift allow easy accessibility for riders using wheelchairs.

             The ultimate goal of therapeutic riding is to promote horsemanship, help riders become as independent as possible, encourage lifelong leisure activities and to promote physical health and self-esteem, which help further integrate these individuals into the community.  The natural affinity between people and animals is a proven and powerful way of enabling our riders to achieve their full potential.  The unconditional love and friendship of our horses is a great benefit to all. The smiles on the riders’ faces are a constant reminder of the power of the horse and the special bond that is awaiting all who participate in equine assisted activities. 

 

If you would like to become an SHHRC rider, please read Rider Eligibility Guidelines, General Precautions and Atlanto-Axial Instability in Down Syndrome.  Then download the Rider/Client Application and mail it, fax it or bring it over.

          

Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center