Equine Programs

For riders (minimum age 4) sessions include both ground and riding interaction with a horse. Lessons are led by PATH(Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Ground time includes grooming, leading, and getting to know the horse. During riding, the client participates in a wide variety of activities and maneuvers based on their personal riding ability. Riding lessons may be in our new covered arena, on our Sensory Trail to help with sensory challenges, or on our Nature Trail to provide a different riding experience.

Riders will learn all aspects of riding, including bringing their horse in from pasture, grooming in preparation for saddling, tacking up, and of course, riding skills. With instruction from our professional team, riders will build their skills and continue to learn from their partnership with the horse.  

For our special needs riders, we create activities to engage them in their riding therapy. From playing games on horseback to learning life skills, our team creates interactive opportunities for the rider to learn more as they work on their riding skills. Beneficial to most with Physical Disabilities, Learning & Emotional Disabilities, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Autism, Downs Syndrome, and Hearing & Visual Impairments.

Benefits Include:

• Increased Mobility and Muscle Strength
• Improved Self-Confidence
• Increased Alertness and Ability to Focus
• Wide Range of Sensory Input
• Increased Awareness of Body and Others

​For many clients, riding becomes their sport.  Each year, we hold a Ranch Riders Horse Show giving riders an opportunity to showcase their horsemanship and riding skills for their family, friends, and the community. We are also building a program to participate in the Special Olympics Equestrian Competition and other riding shows as appropriate for our riders.

The Therapeutic Horsemanship program offers a unique journey of self-discovery through equine-assisted learning. Your first session begins in the horse pastures, where you’ll observe the herd and its dynamics. As you learn about their communication and social structure, you’ll discover how the herd mirrors our own family or work relationships.

From our diverse herd, you'll choose a horse to work with. Over the next several weeks, you’ll be guided by an Equine Specialist as you build a relationship with your horse through a variety of ground activities. These activities teach you to communicate more effectively, regulate your emotions, and be your authentic self. The program also provides a supportive peer environment, which is especially valued by First Responders and Military members.