Therapeutic riding
Therapeutic riding at Colorado HorsePower is taught under the direction of a CHA Certified riding instructor. Every lesson is tailored to the participant: their experience, their physical ability and their own goals for the time they spend at the ranch.
A horse doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand.Pat Parelli
The bond that forms between a participant and a horse during lessons, and the time spent working alongside other veterans and first responders, sit at the center of the program.
Horses lend us the wings we lack.Unknown
Benefits of therapeutic riding
- Increases flexibility
- Develops balance
- Improves coordination
- Helps breathing
- Improves coping skills
- Builds self-confidence
- Improves social interaction
How it works
Therapeutic riding is usually done in groups of two to three riders, and private lessons are available. The instructor teaches from the center of the arena and gives hands-on help when it is needed. Volunteers work alongside participants as they prepare their horse.
The primary goal is to learn riding and horsemanship. Because the movement of the horse is inherently therapeutic, riders also often notice improvements in posture, balance and strength.