Adaptive Riding Program

Ride with Inspire!

Adaptive Riding is recreational horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Riders learn horsemanship and riding skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. We offer instruction to riders of all skill levels, from providing someone's first contact with a horse to advanced independent riders. The goals for those in the adaptive riding program are riding-skill based, but individuals and parents often report many therapeutic benefits of participation. These benefits include improvements in physical strength, balance, coordination, mobility, self-confidence, self-control, peer interaction, and social skills.

Adaptive riding lessons are taught by PATH International certified instructors who create a wide variety of games and exercises designed to meet each student's needs. Lesson plans take into account the rider's physical, emotional, and mental strengths and limitations. Classes include arena riding, trail rides, and group activities. With the combination of a trusted horse, instructor, and group of volunteers, riders become more willing to try new things and attain new goals.

How Adaptive Riding Works

A horse's soothing rhythm, strength, warmth, and three-dimensional movement pattern provide healthy exercise while improving circulation and muscle tone. The discipline associated with working with horses and the social interactions between peers benefit the mind and spirit while raising self-esteem and increasing self-sufficiency through accomplishment. The unconditional love of the horses has been proved to reduce anxiety, encourage interaction, and offer a haven where riders can feel a sense of empowerment.

Who Benefits

Each week, approximately 35 teens and adults with disabilities between the ages of 10 and 65 saddle up as a part of Inspire's adaptive riding program. These riders represent over 20 diagnoses and many have multiple diagnoses. Common diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

Autism
Developmental delay or disability
ADD/ADHD
Learning disability
Cerebral Palsy
Down syndrome
Emotional, behavioral, or mental health issue
Head trauma/brain injury
Hearing impairment
Visual impairment
Genetic conditions/disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Intellectual disability
Youth identified as “at-risk”
Stroke
PTSD
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida
Paralysis
Spinal cord injury
Amputation
Orthopedic disorder

How to Become a Adaptive Riding Participant

Testimonial

My daughter Tiana Hope was born with a rare brain disorder, and she was also diagnosed on the autism spectrum. I can attest to the immense amount of benefit equine assisted services has offered her. Inspire Equine Assisted Center has been a God send. Over the years, it has shown positive effects to her motor, emotional, and sensory skills. Horses offer a healing power. They allow a person who has a disability, whether physical or developmental, feel as if they are able to overcome obstacles while achieving goals and making memories along the way. In general, horses may seem a bit intimidating at first, however they each have their own loving personality. Tiana and Bear formed a lasting bond of friendship that puts a smile on her face and mine. After seeing the life changing improvements in my daughter, I believe you too would see the benefit that equine assisted services can offer. You'll also find that you will not only be building a way to improve daily life skills, but also memorable moments that will last a lifetime. We are truly thankful for the staff and volunteers at Inspire and are proud of all the riders!

April Kinney Corbett - mother of participant