We use horses to reach those who might otherwise be unreachable, especially with nonverbal participants. Therapeutic horseback riding is an alternative treatment recognized as instrumental for improving not only physical strength and coordination, but it can also help increase verbalization and interaction while improving processing in attention or abilities to follow directions. Riding can help improve self-esteem, socialization, educational objectives, appropriate behavior, coordination, information processing, and retention. Participants may learn to help care for and prepare their horses for lessons as their life skill abilities increase.

Lessons are specialized and tailored to each person's abilities and goals: the impact that therapeutic riding makes is an improved quality of life for our participants and their families. Horses are emotionally responsive beings who are not judgmental in offering its company and friendship. The horse's movement also provides the rider with strong sensory input in the areas of the brain that register touch and motion, making it excellent therapy for persons needing these benefits. Riding is also good for the cardiovascular system and provides the rider with aerobic strength: It is not "just a pony ride."