Modern therapeutic horseback riding began in Europe that grew from a spark of intuitive wisdom in a few dedicated equestrians, into an established treatment method, now widely recognized by the medical, psychiatric, and social service professions worldwide. In the United States, quality of programming and accreditation for over 400 centers is monitored by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), a non-profit service organization dedicated to promoting horseback riding for the handicapped.

Special Needs Riding Fees
$40/half hour private lesson
$70 for a therapeutic group rate (2 or more people)
Purchase lessons on-line here

Historical Overview

Therapeutic riding is greatly beneficial for the rider, through the ages it has been used as a way of improving the health and well-being of people with handicaps and disabilities.(Puente)Therapeutic riding can be traced throughout the ages. There is documentation of individuals exploring the various therapeutic benefits of horsemanship as far back as 600 B.C. The first modern study of the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding can be traced back to 1875. Cassaign, a physician, prescribed riding for his patients believing that riding would benefit individuals with such issues as neurological disorders, joint pain and immobility and balance. Oxford Hospital in England suggested riding therapy for soldiers injured in World War I. Because of the unique bond that is often formed between human and animal, people throughout the ages have recognized the importance of riding for people with special needs. This knowledge has grown throughout the ages and been used in various different ways.