Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Lessons
From a child with Down syndrome, to an adult with a spinal cord injury, to a teenager with autism, therapeutic horsemanship has increasingly been shown to provide meaningful physical, emotional, and mental benefits. At Shadow Hills Riding Club, we strive to make every rider’s experience transformative—fostering growth that enhances physical well-being, improves cognitive abilities, strengthens communication skills, and builds confidence and self-esteem.
Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Lessons are offered through a structured program enrollment model designed to support individualized care, rider safety, animal welfare, and long-term therapeutic outcomes.
All sessions are led by a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Instructor, ensuring the highest standards of safety, skill, and care. Our dedicated team works closely with riders to create a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their potential.
Therapeutic riding benefits each person uniquely, depending on factors such as the type and severity of disability, the rider’s motivation, and the unique bond formed between horse and rider. Unlike traditional exercise machines that isolate specific muscle groups, horseback riding engages the entire body. Riders must steer, control, and adjust to the horse’s movements while maintaining balance, utilizing a combination of physical, cognitive, and sensory skills. This holistic activity fosters both physical strength and mental focus, revealing strengths and areas for growth in a dynamic and interactive way.
The connection between horse and rider is a critical element of therapeutic horsemanship. Horses are sensitive, intuitive animals that respond to the rider’s emotions and movements, creating a powerful, nonverbal form of communication that builds trust and fosters personal growth. For many riders, the joy and excitement of horseback riding provide motivation to push through challenges and discomfort, often achieving goals that seemed unattainable.
Therapeutic riding also offers a unique emotional benefit: the pride and accomplishment that comes from mastering a skill that many able-bodied individuals find intimidating. For riders with disabilities, this confidence extends beyond the barn, inspiring greater independence, resilience, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
At Shadow Hills Riding Club, our goal is not only to teach riding but to create moments of connection, joy, and achievement that leave a lasting impact on our riders’ lives. Together, we help our clients unlock new possibilities, one stride at a time.
How to
Begin
All prospective riders interested in the Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Program must complete an in-person assessment prior to participation. This assessment allows our instructional team to evaluate each rider’s needs, abilities, and goals to ensure appropriate placement and the safest, most supportive experience.
To schedule an assessment, families must complete the SHRC Rider Packet and contact the program office once paperwork is submitted.
An initial and annual assessment fee of $250 is required. Assessments are conducted by qualified program staff and help ensure ongoing therapeutic effectiveness
Therapeutic Riding Lessons
Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Program Structure
Shadow Hills Riding Club operates its Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Lessons through a program enrollment model, rather than a traditional pay-per-lesson structure. Enrollment reserves a rider’s place in the program and supports the consistent care of therapy horses, staffing, safety coverage, and facility operations required in a therapeutic riding environment.
Single Therapeutic Adaptive Riding Sessions are available for unique, occasional, or one-time participation, based on availability and program suitability. These sessions are intended for riders who are not seeking ongoing enrollment or who require limited engagement.
For riders participating on an ongoing basis, monthly program enrollment is strongly preferred, as it allows for consistent scheduling, individualized horse matching, staffing continuity, and stable program operations.
Because Therapeutic Adaptive Riding operates within a structured program environment involving animals, staff, and volunteers, consistent scheduling is essential. Program enrollment supports continuity of care even when sessions must be modified due to weather, horse welfare considerations, or safety needs.
For questions about assessments, enrollment, or program availability, please contact
info@shadowhillsridingclub.org or call (213) 761-0549.