Therapeutic Horsemanship

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. A disability does not have to limit a participant from riding a horse.  In fact, experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. These unique benefits are derived from the transfer of movement from horse to rider. Lessons include: Basic riding instruction, Recreation, Sport, Therapy, and time spent on basic development concepts. Therapeutic riding works both “mind and muscle” to produce improved mobility, balance, posture, coordination, language development, behavior control and concentration.

Participants also work on building relationships with their horses through groundwork integrating equine-human interaction, providing opportunities to learn such life skills as trust, respect, honesty, and communication. All of our therapeutic riding classes are taught by certified instructors and incorporate a wide range of therapeutic goals into each session.  Everyone of our participants is unique with their own set of goals and abilities making personalized programming critical.  This involves working with parents, therapists, and counselors to design sessions that will benefit a participants physical and emotional wellness.  Individuals ride weekly in private lessons or in small groups of three to four participants.

Pam Knebel, Bountiful Blessings Day Program LLC

Jason is a 52 year old man with mild intellectual delays who has a history with horse husbandry. Before coming to volunteer at Wonderhill Farm, it had been over 20 years since his last interaction with horses. He was so excited for the chance to work with horses again. He immediately felt comfortable around the horses and enjoyed cleaning stalls & feeding, brushing, washing the horses, and especially raking the area with the kabota.

Jason volunteers for a few hours every Wednesday and Friday. Jason earns a riding lesson after volunteering 4 hours and looks forward to being able to ride them and increase his riding abilities. He loves his work at Wonderhill Farm.