Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding Program

Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding is an activity in which the client performs mounted and unmounted work on or around the horse. Riders in the Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center program range from age 4 through adult. Key factors for us to consider 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 initial 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 class. 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 client’s 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 therapeutic riding program.

Therapeutic/adaptive riding as a whole works on the client’s intellectual, physical and emotional abilities 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. We all cheer the accomplishments of the participants. 

Please contact Diane Abitz 715.359.6046 for questions about the program or to register and schedule an assessment.