Therapeutic Horsemanship

 The practice of therapeutic horsemanship uses the horse as a motivational tool to help people with special needs improve listening skills, focus, sequencing, and coordination, and to develop greater self-confidence, patience, and control. 

Therapeutic horsemanship activities include grooming, saddling, leading, and warm-up activities on the ground as well as mounted riding for individuals or in small groups.  Some of our riders are independent and others are assisted by a horse leader and two side walkers to ensure their safety. The benefits of therapeutic horsemanship or horsewomanship are improvements in strength, balance, confidence, communication, and social skills. Horses do not judge or criticize. They close their eyes and soak in the attention of a gentle hand and carry their rider to places their legs may not be able to take them. 

A 60-minute weekly support group or individual sessions for elders with high-functioning dementia.