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.

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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.

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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
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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
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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

Private (30 min) $60

Private (60 min) $70

Group (Max of 4 riders - 60 min) $60

Semi-Private/Group (90-120 min) $65

Horse, Animal and Ranch Camps (day camp - 1 wk) $450


* Re-assessments done during regular lesson times



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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.