Therapeutic Riding Program

Riders in the Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center (ETC) program range from age 4 through adult. Key factors for us to consider for therapeutic riding are ability to benefit, medical history and safety. All of our students are required to have signed permission by their doctors saying they are able to ride.

A scheduled visit to the program is required prior to enrollment so that we may assess a student for riding. This also serves to introduce the potential rider to the surroundings so that they are comfortable when they come for lessons. Parents or guardians are given a tour of the facility, meet the instructors and staff, and can ask questions.

The Stable Hands team works with the students’ physician, physical therapist and caregivers/parents to assess what areas to work on. We study the physician’s records, parents input, health records and the physical therapist’s recommendations to come up with an individualized riding therapy program.

Therapeutic riding/equine assisted therapy as a whole works on the client’s cognitive, physical and emotional sides and has helped with a very wide range of special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, developmental disorders, spinal cord injury, brain injury, & Cerebral Palsy to name a few. Riders will participate in a variety of games and activities on horseback that help to build balance, coordination, strength and confidence.

On the last day of the five week class session we hold a graduation ceremony. Everyone gathers in the arena and riders are presented with a medal or trophy. We all cheer their accomplishments. Many of our riders have a whole collection of medals that they have earned. We’ve gotten our trophies from 1st Place Trophies & Engraving in Wausau, WI for over 26 years.

Please contact Diane Abitz, Executive Director/Program Director at (715) 359-6046 for questions about the program or complete and submit our Student Registration Packet.