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:
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Adaptive Sport Horsemanship:
This program helps participants, or "exceptional equestrians," develop independence and equestrian skills. Lessons focus on riding and groundwork activities, tailored to each rider’s abilities, and are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Participants benefit from the unique multi-sensory experiences provided by horses, with lessons incorporating physical, behavioral, and educational components. -
Hippotherapy:
Directed by licensed health professionals trained through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), this program uses the horse's movement to improve physical, cognitive, and communication abilities. The horse’s rhythmic gait stimulates postural muscles, enhancing strength, balance, and purposeful movement while positively impacting abnormal movement patterns. -
Stable Forces:
This equine-assisted program is specifically designed for veterans and first responders, offering opportunities to build resilience, relieve stress, and foster emotional growth through horse-human interaction. -
Camp Bliss:
A program for female veterans and frontline workers, focusing on mental health and emotional healing. This unmounted program includes groundwork, group activities, and creative therapeutic sessions, such as making natural scrubs or engaging in reflective exercises. -
Freedom Vaulters:
Combining gymnastics and dance on horseback, this program offers participants a unique way to build strength, confidence, and coordination in a safe and supportive environment. -
Equine Simulator Program:
Introduced in 2024, this program uses advanced technology to provide an accessible and controlled environment for participants to practice and engage in equine-assisted activities, complementing traditional mounted and unmounted sessions.
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.