Therapeutic Riding Programs
Disabilities / Children Who are Terminally Ill / Horses for Heroes : While teaching riding, the principal goal of our programs is therapy. We currently have 21 therapy ponies and horses in our program. They have been carefully selected based on their gentleness, level of training, and an ongoing display of love of their work.
SpiritHorse Lesson Curriculum : With the assistance of their instructor, most lessons start with the rider leading their pony, or horse, from the pasture gate to the barn. Our horses and ponies can be led from wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Riders as young as two-years-old with disabilities lead their ponies independently. If the children are in their parents arms, we place the lead rope in their hands and they lead their pony. We encourage all to participate.
All riders assist with grooming (i.e. brushing) to the ability they have and can develop. They carry their own saddle or blanket or girth, depending upon their ability at that time, and help saddle their pony or horse. We have found that this participation becomes a very important part of the lesson to our riders. Those with cognitive disabilities learn sequencing, two step task execution, following instructions, and work-reward. They also develop a stronger bond with their pony or horse. This develops empathy which is extremely important with our riders diagnosed with autism. The horses and ponies learn to love the children, which is evident in their gentleness. Many of our riders look forward to this element as much as they do their riding lesson. The leading, grooming, and saddling portion of the lesson usually lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Riders lead their horse to the mounting ramp and the instructor leads the pony into the ramp. At least one parent is required to be a sidewalker for their child. We require this because we believe parents are the world's expert on their child. They assist the rider up the ramp, where over time we work to have the rider become self-sufficient in mounting. This provides a greater sense of control and pride in being able to do most of the mount on their own. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Study, the incorporation of the parent in the lesson is the main ingredient for the transfer of the intervention at SpiritHorse to the home environment.
The ridden portion of the lesson starts with a trail ride, lead by the instructor and protected by one or two sidewalkers, depending upon the riders needs. As the lesson progresses and the rider begins developing balance, we provide exercises and riding development in a very small ring called a round pen, in which the pony or horse is controlled by the instructor using a rope called a lunge line. Over time when the rider develops sufficient balance, we begin to have the sidewalker step aside in the round pen so that the rider will develop stronger balance, and with this development, safe riding skills.
With safety being paramount, we use methods and steps designed to develop the rider's balance and horsemanship skills. It is our goal to eventually have each of our riders to be independent, under controlled conditions.
The ridden portion of the lesson is designed to last 30 minutes, with shorter times for our smallest and beginning riders, and longer times for our more advanced riders. Following the ridden portion, the rider leads the horse or pony to the barn and assists in unsaddling, grooming, rewarding the pony with a carrot (this is a favorite part) and putting away the pony.
If you are interested in this program, or any of our programs, please contact us.
SpiritHorse Lesson Curriculum : With the assistance of their instructor, most lessons start with the rider leading their pony, or horse, from the pasture gate to the barn. Our horses and ponies can be led from wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Riders as young as two-years-old with disabilities lead their ponies independently. If the children are in their parents arms, we place the lead rope in their hands and they lead their pony. We encourage all to participate.
All riders assist with grooming (i.e. brushing) to the ability they have and can develop. They carry their own saddle or blanket or girth, depending upon their ability at that time, and help saddle their pony or horse. We have found that this participation becomes a very important part of the lesson to our riders. Those with cognitive disabilities learn sequencing, two step task execution, following instructions, and work-reward. They also develop a stronger bond with their pony or horse. This develops empathy which is extremely important with our riders diagnosed with autism. The horses and ponies learn to love the children, which is evident in their gentleness. Many of our riders look forward to this element as much as they do their riding lesson. The leading, grooming, and saddling portion of the lesson usually lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Riders lead their horse to the mounting ramp and the instructor leads the pony into the ramp. At least one parent is required to be a sidewalker for their child. We require this because we believe parents are the world's expert on their child. They assist the rider up the ramp, where over time we work to have the rider become self-sufficient in mounting. This provides a greater sense of control and pride in being able to do most of the mount on their own. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Study, the incorporation of the parent in the lesson is the main ingredient for the transfer of the intervention at SpiritHorse to the home environment.
The ridden portion of the lesson starts with a trail ride, lead by the instructor and protected by one or two sidewalkers, depending upon the riders needs. As the lesson progresses and the rider begins developing balance, we provide exercises and riding development in a very small ring called a round pen, in which the pony or horse is controlled by the instructor using a rope called a lunge line. Over time when the rider develops sufficient balance, we begin to have the sidewalker step aside in the round pen so that the rider will develop stronger balance, and with this development, safe riding skills.
With safety being paramount, we use methods and steps designed to develop the rider's balance and horsemanship skills. It is our goal to eventually have each of our riders to be independent, under controlled conditions.
The ridden portion of the lesson is designed to last 30 minutes, with shorter times for our smallest and beginning riders, and longer times for our more advanced riders. Following the ridden portion, the rider leads the horse or pony to the barn and assists in unsaddling, grooming, rewarding the pony with a carrot (this is a favorite part) and putting away the pony.
If you are interested in this program, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Victims of Abuse / Battered Women Program
SpiritHorse Connections provides horseback riding lessons together with one-on-one mentors to children who are victims of abuse and battered women, which will promote internal healing, trust, and mental health. The relationship developed between rider and horse builds trust and self confidence.
Activities are monitored and progress recorded by the SpiritHorse staff. Meetings are held between mentors and staff to evaluate client progress and individual lesson plan adjustments are made as necessary to meet group and individual goals.
SpiritHorse Connections provides horseback riding lessons together with one-on-one mentors to children who are victims of abuse and battered women, which will promote internal healing, trust, and mental health. The relationship developed between rider and horse builds trust and self confidence.
Activities are monitored and progress recorded by the SpiritHorse staff. Meetings are held between mentors and staff to evaluate client progress and individual lesson plan adjustments are made as necessary to meet group and individual goals.
At Risk Youth Program
Our At-Risk-Youth and Youth After Drug Rehab programs consist of weekly barn management and horseback riding lessons for youth in alternative education programs that include one hour of the school day as an incentive. The program can also be made available outside of school hours. Participants provide community service for one hour each week to earn weekly lessons. Through volunteer activities they learn to embrace the work/reward ethic. Horses and the ranch atmosphere can be greatly incentivizing. Horses accept us on a non-judgmental basis and teach us to be open, trusting, cooperative, and appreciative.
What is required to participate in this program?
Program participants must meet behavioral and academic application objectives set by their school's alternative education program each week in order to participate if they will be participating during school hours. Additionally, they must provide one hour of community service at SpiritHorse Connections Therapeutic Riding Center. This work includes cleaning stalls and equipment, grooming horses, assisting in medication and horse hygiene activities, assisting in horse shoeing and trimming, and grounds maintenance.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Our At-Risk-Youth and Youth After Drug Rehab programs consist of weekly barn management and horseback riding lessons for youth in alternative education programs that include one hour of the school day as an incentive. The program can also be made available outside of school hours. Participants provide community service for one hour each week to earn weekly lessons. Through volunteer activities they learn to embrace the work/reward ethic. Horses and the ranch atmosphere can be greatly incentivizing. Horses accept us on a non-judgmental basis and teach us to be open, trusting, cooperative, and appreciative.
What is required to participate in this program?
Program participants must meet behavioral and academic application objectives set by their school's alternative education program each week in order to participate if they will be participating during school hours. Additionally, they must provide one hour of community service at SpiritHorse Connections Therapeutic Riding Center. This work includes cleaning stalls and equipment, grooming horses, assisting in medication and horse hygiene activities, assisting in horse shoeing and trimming, and grounds maintenance.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Riding Lessons for the General Public
Beginner to advanced riding lessons are available in the English and Western riding disciplines. We have over 40 years of lesson and training experience. Providing riding lessons to the general public is one way we support our therapy programs and horses. You will be learning to ride and supporting individuals in your community!!
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
If you are interested in this, or any of our programs, please contact us.
Pony Parties and Petting Zoo Pricing
We offer petting zoo and party packages to the general public to keep our therapy sessions at reasonable prices for the families we serve. Our goal is to NEVER have to turn a rider away for the inability to pay for our therapeutic programs.
More info coming soon!
For more information or to book a party, please fill out our contact page.
More info coming soon!
For more information or to book a party, please fill out our contact page.
We offer packages such as the above, as well as horseback riding lessons, to the general public to keep our therapy sessions at reasonable prices for the families we serve. Our goal is to NEVER have to turn a rider away for the inability to pay for our therapeutic programs.