Therapeutic Riding and Off-Track Rehabilitation
Adaptive Riding Lessons
Adaptive Riding at T.R.O.T.R., guided by PATH International certified instructors and compassionate volunteers, is not just about horsemanship; it’s a powerful therapeutic tool that combines safety, therapy, and personal growth. Our specially trained horses offer a three-dimensional stride that mimics the human gait, effectively stimulating physical and cognitive development in our riders. This gentle, rhythmic movement enhances balance, muscle control, coordination, posture, and overall body awareness, often allowing riders to experience the joy of independent movement for the first time.
The bond formed between a rider and their horse is transformative, helping riders overcome fears, build self-confidence, and develop control over their actions. Through interactions with their horse, riders learn valuable lessons in trust, impulse control, and relationship building. The act of giving verbal commands can significantly boost verbal skills, even prompting some riders to speak for the first time.
Because We Care
At T.R.O.T.R., every session is tailored to meet individual therapeutic and horsemanship goals, providing a supportive environment where riders can achieve accomplishments, interact socially, and learn new skills. Our team’s commitment to excellence ensures a unique and enriching experience for each rider, fostering an atmosphere of achievement and freedom.
All Abilities Welcome
ADD / ADHD
Autism
Brain / Spinal Cord Injury
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Developmentally Delayed
Down Syndrome
Learning Challenges
Mentally and Emotionally Impaired
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
Visual and Hearing Impaired
Benefits
T.R.O.T.R. combines recreational horseback riding instruction with concepts of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social/emotional therapies.
Physical Benefits
- Improved balance
- Posture & coordination
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Faster reflexes
- Improved motor planning
- Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
- Decreased spasticity, increased range of motion
- Reduction of abnormal movement patterns
- Improved respiration and circulation
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Provides sensory integration
- Normalization of muscle tone
- Increased strength & stamina
- Endurance and relaxation
Cognitive Benefits
- Strengthens auditory short-term memory
- Improves visual memory
- Sequencing, patterning, and motor-planning
- Improves math and reading skills
- Problem-solving
- Spatial relationships
- Strengthens ability to follow directions
- Improved eye-hand coordination
Social & Emotional Benefits
- Provides a general sense of well-being
- Improved self-confidence
- Increased interest in world and self
- Develops patience
- Emotional control and self-discipline
- Provides a sense of normality & routine
- Improves communication skills
- Develops courage and a willingness to take risks
- Social relationships improve
- Breaks down barriers
- Teaches kindness
- Develops respect and love for animals
Getting Started
We run our Adaptive Riding program on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
If you want to see our program in action, please let us know and we can set up a time for you to come to visit our facility.
ADAPTIVE RIDING
Ages 5 - Adult | 25 - 35 minutes
Therapeutic Riding sessions are customized for the individual. We work on core strength, focus, and confidence.
Lessons
All Adaptive Lessons are supervised by a PATH International Certified Instructor.
Adaptive Riding Assessment $55 | NEW RATE 2025: $60
Private (30 min) $60 | NEW RATE 2025: $65
Private (60 min) $70 | NEW RATE 2025: $75
Semi-Private/Group (90-120 min) $65 | NEW RATE 2025: $70
Group (Max of 4 riders - 60 min) $60 | NEW RATE 2025: $65
Horse, Animal and Ranch Camps (day camp - 1 wk) $450 | NEW RATE 2025: $475-$500
* Re-assessments done during regular lesson times $60
PURCHASE ADAPTIVE LESSONS HERE
NEW RATES FOR 2025
Good News! If you’re planning ahead, you can lock in the current 2024 rates by purchasing your 2025 sessions now.
It’s a great way to save as we transition to the new year.
Schedule
SESSION DATES
Winter: 1/6-3/22 (11 weeks)
Spring: 4/6-6/7 (9 weeks)
Summer: 6/15-8/9 (8 weeks)
Fall: 8/17-11/1 (11 weeks)
Holiday: 11/2-12/22 (6 weeks)
SESSION CAMPS
Spring Break Camp
Summer Camps
Fall/Thanksgiving Camp
Winter/Christmas Camp
SESSION BREAKS
Spring: 3/23-4/5
Summer: 6/18-6/14
Fall: 10/9-11/19
Holiday: 11/23-12/1
Fall: 8/10-6/4
Winter: 12/23-1/5
Riding Rules
ALL AGES WELCOME
For rider safety, we have a number of SEI-approved riding helmets and a limited number of boots for riders to borrow.
RIDING TIME
To ensure that you receive your full riding time, we request that riders be at the barn ready to ride at least 5-10 minutes BEFORE the class is scheduled to start. All riders must arrive on time and be prepared for the lesson. Lessons are scheduled for the same time each week – rescheduling appointments is extremely difficult to do.
INSTRUCTOR OBJECTIVES
Our intent is for all students to learn to ride and advance as quickly as their individual ability allows and to have fun. Our primary concern is for the safety of the ride and the horse.
MAKEUP LESSONS
We offer make-up lessons due to weather or illness. These postponed lessons are usually held during the week(s) following the regularly scheduled sessions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please contact us at 530-867-3866 at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson. If you do not contact us or do not show you, you will be charged the full price of your lesson.
Considerable time goes into scheduling, planning lessons, and reserving horses. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the rider to come to lessons, be on time, or let us know beforehand.
PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Riders must consistently show their instructor that they can meet all the goals for their current riding level before advancing to the next one.