Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding uses the movement, relationship, and structured activity of horseback riding to achieve physical, cognitive, emotional, and social goals for riders with disabilities and special needs. The rhythmic, multidimensional movement of the horse provides sensory and neurological input that is difficult to replicate through other therapies, and the relationship between rider and horse adds motivational and emotional dimensions that many participants find uniquely engaging and effective. Therapeutic riding programs operate under specific safety protocols, use horses carefully selected and trained for the work, and are staffed by certified instructors and trained volunteers who ensure each session is therapeutically appropriate and safe. The horses used in these programs require specific temperament qualities, extensive desensitization to the equipment and behaviors they will encounter, and ongoing management to protect their physical and mental wellbeing across years of specialized work. The answers below address therapeutic riding from multiple perspectives — the benefits for participants, the horse selection and training requirements, the program structure and safety standards, and the professional qualifications of therapeutic riding instructors.