Do the horses undergo any special training to become part of the Therapeutic Riding program?
Therapeutic Riding lessons involve many non-traditional riding exercises, therefore specialized training for the horse is required. This training consists of working with the horse in specific ways to foster a highly developed sense of cooperation, patience and trust of the team members. In addition, in order to accommodate the physical differences of therapeutic riders, the horses are taught how to accept riders mounting from blocks or a ramp, and how to stand still during mounting and dismounting. They also learn how to accept riders with less balance, trunk control, and spasticity (abnormal muscle tone) than most riders.
