Therapeudic Riding is offered to those children and adults who experience mental and physical disabilities. Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding is an activity in which the student performs mounted and unmounted work on or around the horse. Experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. Horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, horseback riding also provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. Therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship contributes to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities.

The Stables on Buck Lake has a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH Intl. and has been certified for 15 years. The PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) is a credential for individuals in the equine-assisted services (EAS) profession who provide riding instruction of therapeutic value to people with disabilities. This may include mounted or unmounted work ethically partnering with an equine. PATH Intl. CTRIs have met established criteria and standards of practice in the field. They have demonstrated their knowledge of disabilities, equines, teaching and human-animal interactions necessary for effective performance as an therapeutic riding instructor.

PATH Intl. was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs, to promote safe and effective therapeutic — also known as adaptive — horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has 794 member centers, nearly 4,000 individual members and more than 4,800 certified professionals in countries all over the world who help and support more than 46,600 children and adults — including 5,200 veterans — with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted services.

• 1 Lesson – $85 with our lesson horse and certified instructor

• 4 Lesson Package – $320 with our lesson horse and certified instructor

• 8 Lesson Package – $600 with our lesson horse and certified instructor