Adaptive Riding/Therapeutic Horsemanship

Adaptive Riding and Therapeutic Horsemanship lessons develop horseback riding skills in individuals with disabilities. The goal of Adaptive Riding and Therapeutic Horsemanship lessons is for each client to reach their highest level of independence in mounted and non-mounted equine activities.

Adaptive Riding and Therapeutic Horsemanship benefits individuals in a number of ways, including physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. While we are NOT therapists (our focus is on teaching horsemanship skills), horseback riding, and other horse-related activities, can naturally provide many benefits.

Our team of instructors, equine handlers and volunteers are focused on providing a safe experience and lesson plans are tailored to the needs of each rider. We encourage parents, caregivers and therapists to participate in the lesson to support their rider and our team is able to provide physical, emotional and communication supports such as an AAC device or PECS boards if needed.

Tuition for Adaptive Riding Lessons (Paid prior to each session or monthly.)

30-minute lesson - $100 per lesson

50-minute group lesson - $100 per lesson

Equine Empowerment Foundation does not manage direct insurance billing and does not receive any reimbursements directly from insurance companies. However, please check with your provider as some medical plans cover these fees.

We offer a Sliding Scale Fee Program to provide lessons at reduce rates for income qualified clients. Please e-mail us at equineempowermentfoundation@gmail.com to request an application.

Health/Medical Restrictions:

Adaptive or therapeutic riding can be a wonderful activity for individuals with various disabilities, but there are some health and medical restrictions to consider.

1. Medical Clearance: It's essential to have a medical clearance from a healthcare provider before starting adaptive riding. This ensures that the individual is physically capable of participating in the activity.

2. Seizure Disorders: Individuals with uncontrolled seizure disorders may be at risk while riding. It's important to have seizures well-managed and under control before participating.

3. Severe Allergies: Those with severe allergies to horses or other animals should take precautions or may need to avoid therapeutic riding altogether.

4. Spinal Instability: Individuals with conditions that cause spinal instability, such as certain types of scoliosis or spinal cord injuries, may be at risk of further injury while riding.

5. Severe Behavioral Issues: While therapeutic riding can benefit individuals with behavioral issues, those with severe or aggressive behaviors may need additional support or alternative therapies.

6. Weight Limitations: Many therapeutic riding programs have weight limits for participants to ensure the safety of both the rider and the horse.

7. Cardiovascular Conditions: Individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions may need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine if riding is safe for them.

Height/Weight Restriction:

For the safety and wellbeing of our horses, we have a height limit of 6ft and weight limit of 200lbs for all riders

Inclement Weather and Unsafe Riding Conditions:

Lessons are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe riding conditions such as rain, mud, high winds, extreme heat and smoke from wildfires.

Lessons cancelled due to these conditions will be given a make-up lesson. There are no expirations on make-up lessons and refunds will not be given for lessons canceled due to inclement weather or unsafe riding conditions.