About Our Therapeutic Riding Program

The Center's Therapeutic Riding program benefits children and adults who have a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. Students ride specially trained horses with our certified instructors in weekly sessions to develop increased balance and muscle control, improve concentration and short-term memory, and enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

Research has shown that the rhythm and symmetry of a horse's movement are perfect tools for improving a rider's posture, balance, and muscle control. The riding also improves concentration, memory, and sequential thought processing, and even helps emotionally disabled riders articulate their feelings

The Therapeutic Riding program offers benefits distinct from more traditional therapies. Riders feel a freedom of movement and mobility that they may never have experienced before, particularly if they have been using a wheelchair for many years. Improvements often are rapid because the riders are having fun-hardly noticing that they are performing repetitive therapy exercises.

Fees charged to riders and their families cover just a fraction of the actual cost of the Therapeutic Riding program. The Helen Woodward Animal Center relies heavily on charitable donations to keep this program going. Gifts to the program will also enable the Center to make therapeutic riding available to the many children and adults on the program's waiting list.