TREE House’s Adaptive Therapeutic Riding combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills while overlapping concepts of physical and occupational therapy to help each client reach their personal goals. Goals are skill-based and might include therapeutic benefits such as increasing strength and endurance, improving balance, increasing attention span, addressing sensory issues, and building social or communication skills. This service is designed for individuals with disabilities ages 6 and up and is taught by PATH, Intl. certified riding instructors who are specially trained to work with individuals with disabilities.
Adaptive Therapeutic Riding gives individuals with disabilities a sense of independence and freedom. Up on the horse, they are just another rider, not a person with a disability. Their experiences and successes often lead to an increase in self-confidence. The bond clients develop with their horse becomes a real source of enjoyment and pride. The ultimate goal of Adaptive Therapeutic Riding is to help clients achieve personal goals and transfer these skills into their everyday lives — all while having fun!
Every participant undergoes an evaluation by an occupational therapist that assists in creating the personalized lesson plans that instructors use to guide weekly sessions. Many participants work their way up to riding independently and some join TREE House’s Competition Team and compete in external horseback riding competitions and events.