Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center Services

• Therapeutic Riding - Therapeutic horseback riding is a unique discipline that brings together people with disabilities, horses, riding instructors, teachers, therapists, physicians, and volunteers – all with one goal – to enhance the quality of life of the participants. The particular goals and the approaches used to achieve these goals will differ according to the client’s specific disability, injury, or illness. Physical, mental, social, educational, and behavioral objectives may be incorporated into lesson plans.
• Horse Shows - Hoofbeats believes that competitions can be very positive experiences for its clients, volunteers, and the families who come t watch the riders. Competitions allow lessons to be more goal-oriented and focused, and the riders receive positive reinforcement for all their hard work. The riders can interact with others and form bonds with people who share common interests, and the shows give the riders a chance to “shine” in front of family and friends.
• Education - Over the years Hoofbeats has engaged in a number of educational programs, including an elementary school program for special education students; mounted drill teams to perform or compete at various events; outreach programs and publications to promote the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding; Girl Scout horsemanship merit badge training; and an internship program for aspiring therapeutic riding instructors.