Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding is beneficial to people of all abilities for a variety of reasons.

When registering as a  new client, please  select
“New Rider Therapeutic Assessment”.
You will be contacted with further information.

A walking horse moves a rider’s pelvis and torso in a similar fashion to the movement experienced when a human walks. It is the only known replica of this action.

For this reason, riding can play a crucial role in normal muscular and balance developments because, while riding, the rider’s muscles are constantly responding to the movement of the horse. The horse’s swinging, repetitive movement improves balance, coordination, strength and muscle tone while also mobilizing the joints.

Each client that comes in first goes through an assessment process. We establish goals, go over any other therapy they may be undergoing, establish the physical, emotional or intellectual challenges and work out which horse would be best suited. If it turns out that a client shouldn’t ride for health reasons, we work diligently to find an alternative program.

Therapeutic riding is offered to clients aged 3 and up. Clients who participate in riding lessons must have a clinical diagnosis. Our therapeutic client base encompasses a wide spectrum of disabilities classified under the scope of Physical (includes riders with limited mobility, delayed fine and gross motor skills, low trunk control/core strength, undeveloped balance, etc.), Developmental (includes riders with limited cognitive capacity, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, etc.), Sensory (includes riders with visual, auditory or speech impairment) and Nonvisible (includes riders with learning disability, epilepsy/seizure disorder, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, a variety of psychological disorders, etc.).

 

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

The benefits of therapeutic riding are as varied and unique as our clients.

• Physical
• Emotional
• Educational

Lesson Schedules & Availability

• Lessons are offered Monday through Thursday
• Lessons are available from 9:00 a.m. to a final scheduled lesson time of 7:30 p.m.
• Each lesson runs from 30 – 45 minutes in length

 

Clothing Requirements

In order to take part in a lesson, each rider/groomer must wear:

• An ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet
• Riding boots or closed-toe shoes with a small, 1-inch heel
• Long pants
• A safety belt (if recommended during assessment)
• PARDS will supply the riding helmet, boots and safety belts, or, if preferred, riders may use their own. Our trained Instructors will ensure each rider has the proper safety equipment before each lesson begins.

We recommend dressing warmly and in layers during the colder months. Although the arena is heated, the temperature is kept at 5C. For safety reasons, please do not wear loose or bulky clothing that may catch on equipment. Please ensure clothing is comfortable and well fitted.

 

Registration

PARDS accepts registrations throughout the year for all lesson sessions.

• When you pre-register with us, we will contact you approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the session to schedule your riding time and confirm the session details with you.

• Registration includes 10 weekly lessons
  • Depending on availability, a rider/groomer may register for multiple lessons per week; an additional session fee will be required

• One Registration Package may be used for any or all of the three sessions in the program year (Fall to Spring).
  • New registration forms are required if personal details change.

• There is a required PARDS Physician Release form in each Therapeutic Registration Package. This form is required to identify any contraindications to participation in our riding/grooming program. The information is also used to assist in identifying and defining goals for the client.
  • For riders diagnosed with a physical disability, the form must be completed by a physician and be updated as recommended by physician.
  • For riders diagnosed with a disability other than physical, the initial form must be completed by a physician, but any subsequent forms may be completed by a psychologist, special education teacher, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist or another relevant, qualified professional who has a good knowledge of the individual
  • If a prospective client has not been diagnosed with a disability, they are ineligible to participate in the Therapeutic Programs. Learn more about our public riding programs.

• Please note: If the registration package is incomplete, lessons will be limited to grooming and horse education until the required forms are received by the PARDS office.

• Please contact us if you are having difficulty completing the registration information, or if you have questions.

• Each 10-week Therapeutic Session: $220 per rider/groomer.
• A $20 annual membership fee per rider/groomer is required. Annual memberships cover the rider for unlimited programs and sessions.
• PARDS memberships are valid from January 1 through December 31.

 

Need Financial Support?

It is important to PARDS that everyone is able to access our services regardless of financial circumstance. If you are experiencing difficulty meeting the registration fee requirements, please contact the office for more information at 780-538-3211. Additional information, including proof of financial need, may be required.