THERAPEUTIC/ADAPTIVE HORSEMANSHIP
Disability does not have to limit someone from riding or caring for horses.
Throughout the world, thousands of individuals with disabilities experience the rewarding benefits of horsemanship. A disability does not have to limit a person from riding horses, therapeutic driving, interactive vaulting or even competition.
Benefits
Experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. Because 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.
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Flexibility
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Balance
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Muscle strength
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Improved coordination
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Recreational opportunities
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Self-esteem
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Confidence
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FUN!
Programs Offered:
Adaptive Sport Horsemanship
Recreational horseback riding for riders with disabilities that focuses on confidence, independence, mobility, and horsemanship skills. This program incorporates both mounted and groundwork activities tailored to each rider’s abilities. Lessons are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors and provide multi-sensory experiences that support physical, behavioral, and educational development.
Hippotherapy
Therapy services led by licensed health professionals for participants with complex medical, physical, developmental, or behavioral needs who require clinical treatment using the horse’s movement. The horse’s rhythmic gait supports posture, strength, balance, coordination, and functional movement.
Stable Skills
An unmounted horsemanship program designed for participants who are unable to ride due to balance, safety, or weight considerations. Participants build confidence, connection, and practical horsemanship skills through hands-on activities such as grooming, leading, groundwork, and horse care.
Stable Forces
An equine-assisted program designed specifically for veterans and frontline workers, offering opportunities to build resilience, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being through guided interaction with horses.
Camp Bliss
An unmounted equine-assisted program for female veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and frontline workers focused on emotional wellness, connection, and stress relief. Participants engage in horse groundwork, guided group activities, and creative therapeutic experiences such as reflection and hands-on projects.
Equine Simulator Program
Introduced in 2024, this program uses a mechanical horse simulator to safely replicate the movement of a real horse. It provides a controlled and accessible environment for participants to practice balance, posture, coordination, and confidence, and is often used alongside mounted and unmounted equine programs.
Thank you for your interest in joining our community. At MARE, we are dedicated to providing therapeutic equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs.
We’re hitting pause on new applications while we catch up on serving the amazing families already on our waitlist. 💙 If you’d like to be notified when we reopen, please sign up here >>>
M.A.R.E. is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (Path Intl.) and we follow PATH Intl. Standards that exist to provide consistent safety provisions for participants, highly-regarded facility and program management processes and humane treatment for working with equines. The following definitions will help you have a clear understanding of the different types of equine-assisted services and what they entail. Meeting with the professionals at your local center is imperative to learn what services are offered there, and they will help determine what service best suits the individual needs of you or your participant.