Equine Assisted Therapy

Our Programs

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding is skill-based equestrian instruction for children and adults with disabilities. The focus of these lessons is skill development and progression while improving the rider’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills.

Riding a horse provides a multi-dimensional movement pattern similar to the human gait. This motion influences the rider’s body leading to increased flexibility, core strength, motor skills, and intellectual functioning. What makes equine therapy unique is that it does not feel like traditional occupational, physical, or speech therapy to our clients. Horseback riding is an exciting and rewarding sport, and Jaycee’s Horses for Healing provides a fun, enriching, and supportive environment for our riders to reach their potential.

Taught by certified riding instructors with the assistance of volunteer aids, Jaycee’s Horses for Healing therapeutic riding lessons are 45 minutes to 1 hour once a week. Depending on the needs of each rider, lessons can be group, semi-private or private. As much as possible, riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care.

Outcomes of therapeutic riding can include improvements in:

MGHS15-49Balance

Muscle strength

Physical endurance

Range of motion

Circulation

Respiration

Sensorimotor integration

Help to activate weak brain areas

Confidence

Motivation

Human-animal bonding skills

Social skills

Responsiveness and adaptability

Flexibility