Our Mission

Our mission is to provide therapeutic, recreational horseback riding lessons to children and adults with special needs in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas.

We serve those with a range of special needs, including but not limited to:

• ADD/ADHD

• Amputations

• Anxiety/Depression

• Autism

• Brain injuries

• Cerebral palsy

• Cognitive impairments

• Hearing impairments

• Learning disabilities

• Muscular dystrophy

• PTSD

• Speech impairments

• Spina bifida

• Spinal cord injuries

• Stroke

• Visual impairments

• And many other emotional and physical disorders

Benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Working with horses contributes to riders’ physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Riding a horse transmits the same motion to the hips that we use when walking, stimulating the same nerves and muscles. This, in turn, promotes core strength, posture, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Horses are large, sometimes intimidating animals that are sensitive to human emotions and respond to both verbal and non-verbal communication. These qualities challenge riders to overcome issues of fear, self-confidence, trust, honesty, and patience. Riders develop a relationship with their horse and volunteers, and in the process learn important lessons about responsibility, respect for others, accountability, and communication. All while having fun!