Therapeutic Riding

Learning riding skills and so much more 

Our therapeutic horsemanship program caters to individuals with special needs diagnoses. Participants must be at least 4 years of age, with no upper age limit. While some diagnoses might prevent riding, alternatives like grooming, leading, tacking, and other educational activities are available. These interactions foster horsemanship skills and enhance physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI) set goals with participants’ parents, guardians, or caregivers. They tailor lesson plans to individual needs, pair participants with suitable horses, and train volunteers as sidewalkers and leaders. Sidewalkers assist riders based on their support needs, while horse leaders monitor horse behavior, follow the lesson plan, and provide observations to CTRIs for student progress planning.

The therapeutic horsemanship program runs for 10 weeks in fall and spring, and 6 weeks in summer. Fall sessions are from September to December, spring from February to May, and summer dates vary between July and August. During fall and spring, participants attend weekly 30 or 45-minute lessons, usually in groups of 2 or 3. Private lessons depend on availability and individual needs.  

To learn more information about our therapeutic horsemanship program or to become a volunteer, please contact the Program Director via programs@prancing-horse.org