Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship
“Access Equestrian has been an answer to prayer for me. I have many health issues. But now because of Access Equestrian, I feel like me again. I once owned and rode a horse. I thought that I would never be able to ride again and have a horse life. Access Equestrian has enabled me to have that life again. My therapeutic riding instructor, Denise, makes me feel safe on a horse again and she challenges me to reach my goals. My confidence has soared. The farm is a wonderful, peaceful environment to ride and the staff is encouraging, kind and professional. I’ve regained a sense of accomplishment being a rider at Access Equestrian. This has affected every aspect of my physical and emotional well being. I am so very happy there!”
Germaine Sullivan, Adult Rider
Germaine Sullivan, Adult Rider
GOING BEYOND HORSE THERAPY
Adaptive riding is a unique and flexible concept which aims to overcome rider limitations by making simple adaptations to teaching methods, equipment or needed support. Both the benefits and goals of horseback riding vary by individual based on their personal challenges. For people who have physical and or mental disabilities as well as other life challenges, adaptive riding may be a liberating experience with unparalleled benefits and possibilities.
Group and private adaptive horseback riding lessons are offered to both children and adults, and are planned with the individual's educational, physical, social, recreational, and/or competitive goals in mind. Lessons may include warm-up exercises, skills development, activities or games that reinforce goals, groundwork such as grooming and tacking, preparation for competition, and trail rides.
The structure of our riding lessons is as broad and adaptive as our client base. Our instructors aim to produce the best possible outcomes and results for each individual client by focusing on their unique goals, abilities and challenges.
Group and private adaptive horseback riding lessons are offered to both children and adults, and are planned with the individual's educational, physical, social, recreational, and/or competitive goals in mind. Lessons may include warm-up exercises, skills development, activities or games that reinforce goals, groundwork such as grooming and tacking, preparation for competition, and trail rides.
The structure of our riding lessons is as broad and adaptive as our client base. Our instructors aim to produce the best possible outcomes and results for each individual client by focusing on their unique goals, abilities and challenges.
What are the benefits of adaptive riding?
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
The physical benefits of adaptive riding for individuals with disabilities are grounded in the movement which a horse generates and transfers to their rider. Horse's produce a three-dimensional movement that closely resembles the normal human gait in the riders' pelvis and trunk. This movement helps to strengthen muscles and improve posture and balance, as students learn the proper position for riding a horse which they focus on maintaining with respect to the horse's movement underneath them. This also increases physical endurance, as riders strength increases from ride to ride, and they begin to struggle less with their muscles as they attempt to learn additional riding skills, as well as muscle coordination and motor skills. Instructors play games with students, when appropriate, which require them to maintain posture and position while placing focus on additional physical activities.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Socially and emotionally, horseback riding improves self-esteem and self-confidence. Riding is a life-long learning process for both able-bodied and challenged riders alike. This gives many students increased confidence by giving them the ability to participate in and succeed at a physical activity which shows similar difficulties and learning challenges to all riders.
Additionally, participants gain the ability to control the horse underneath them, allowing them to gain feelings of leadership and self-sufficiency. Social and communication skills are also improved by interaction between instructor and rider, in addition to relationship building skills. Many of our students are able to overcome fear and anxiety in riding, which can be a very scary and dangerous activity upon first glance. Sometimes big wins are seen in the simple task of gaining the self-confidence and bravery to get on the horse, to ride by one's self, or to do what had once been seen as impossible.
Additionally, participants gain the ability to control the horse underneath them, allowing them to gain feelings of leadership and self-sufficiency. Social and communication skills are also improved by interaction between instructor and rider, in addition to relationship building skills. Many of our students are able to overcome fear and anxiety in riding, which can be a very scary and dangerous activity upon first glance. Sometimes big wins are seen in the simple task of gaining the self-confidence and bravery to get on the horse, to ride by one's self, or to do what had once been seen as impossible.
COGNITIVE BENEFITS
Cognitive benefits are also frequently reached. Participants gain tools such as following multi-step directions, staying on task, counting, letter recognition, reading, speaking, and decision making. Horseback riding requires great focus and thought, allowing instructors to appropriately challenge riders to think for themselves, focus, and make planned decisions about how to ask a horse for the proper reaction.
Program Offerings and Lesson Rates
Lessons are offered year-round (weather permitting) on a weekly basis.
- 30-minute private lesson - $85.00
- 45-minute private lesson - $95.00
- 1-hour private lesson with combined riding and unmounted horsemanship skills - $110.00
- Semi-private, group lessons, hippotherapy, and other individualized programs are also available. Please call our office or reach us by email for more information.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM OFFERINGS
HIPPOTHERAPYHippotherapy is a treatment approach that uses activities on the horse that are relevant and motivating to the client and that will address the individual's goals.
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PONY CLUBPony Club develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.
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