Program is geared towards individuals with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities. We serve ages 5 and up. Adults are also served. Therapeutic Horseback Riding students use their abilities to learn the actual skills involved in riding a horse. The active participation required by riding allows our students to benefit from the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of horseback riding. A therapeutic riding student may need two or more volunteers, hand-over-hand assistance, as well as verbal and/or physical support to safely ride a horse. Lessons focus on encouraging riders to be as independent as possible, and can include grooming and tacking, crafts, formal riding instruction, games and exercises on horseback, sensory trail rides, and horse management. Lessons emphasize natural horsemanship techniques, helping riders safely interact with horses from the ground as well as in the saddle.