Therapeutic Riding Program

Our Therapeutic Riding Program is designed to support individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Through structured, instructor-led riding sessions, participants experience meaningful growth in physical ability, communication, confidence, and overall well-being.

Riders often experience improvements in:

• Physical strength and endurance
• Posture, balance, and core stability
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Coordination and body awareness
• Communication skills
• Social interaction and teamwork
• Focus, attention, and memory
• Response to verbal cues and environmental stimuli
• Self-confidence and sense of accomplishment

The rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of the horse closely mimics the natural pelvic motion of human walking. This repetitive movement gently stimulates the rider’s muscles and nervous system, promoting improved balance, trunk control, and overall strength. Over time, these physical benefits often translate into improved mobility and functional skills off the horse as well.

In addition to learning foundational riding skills, sessions may include engaging therapeutic activities such as:

• Reaching and grasping exercises to build strength and dexterity
• Pattern and memory games to support cognitive development
• Scavenger hunts and mounted games to encourage teamwork and problem-solving
• Skill-based challenges that promote independence and confidence

Although horses are typically led during lessons for safety, riders actively learn to communicate with their horse using their voice, reins for steering, and leg cues for movement. This process strengthens coordination, sequencing, and cause-and-effect understanding while fostering a powerful sense of partnership and achievement.

Therapeutic riding may benefit individuals with (but not limited to):

• ADD/ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Down syndrome
• Cognitive impairments
• Learning disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Amputations
• Orthopedic conditions
• Hearing, speech, or visual impairments
• Emotional and behavioral challenges
• Trauma-related behavioral difficulties

Each rider’s goals are individualized to meet their unique strengths and needs.

Our instructors are certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), ensuring lessons meet established national standards for safety, professionalism, and therapeutic effectiveness.

At this time, mounting is completed using a mounting block. Due to equipment limitations, riders must be physically able to step onto the mounting block and mount the horse with assistance from the instructor. Riders must also be able to maintain an upright seated position for the duration of the approximately one-hour lesson.

Therapeutic riding sessions typically require 2–3 trained volunteers per rider, including a horse leader and one or two side walkers. Side walkers provide physical and emotional support as needed to help riders complete lesson activities safely and successfully.

We warmly encourage parents and caregivers to participate as leaders or side walkers during their child’s lesson. This involvement not only strengthens family connection but also allows caregivers to actively share in their child’s progress and accomplishments. Comprehensive volunteer training is provided to ensure everyone feels confident and prepared.

**All riders must be wearing covered footwear with a heel (approx 1-1.5 inches), and must wear a riding helmet (ASTM/SEI certified equestrian  helmet). These can be purchased on Amazon, at Greenhawk or G&E Pharmacy in Edmonton. We have some available to use but encourage riders to buy their own that are fitted for them.** Bike Helmets are not acceptable**

We operate our programs out of Meadow Ridge Equestrian at 51303 Range Road 262, Spruce Grove.

Please inquire via email for further information 

Equine Assisted Therapy Program

Our Equine-Assisted Therapy Program provides compassionate, evidence-informed support for individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including physical and developmental disabilities, PTSD, mental health disorders, neurodivergence, chronic and terminal illness, experiences of abuse, and those from marginalized communities. In addition we work alongside Indigenous communities, integrating animal-assisted therapy with culturally grounded approaches to healing. We thoughtfully incorporate both horses and miniature horses into our sessions, allowing us to tailor each experience to the participant’s comfort level, goals, and therapeutic needs.

Animal-assisted therapy is a powerful, relationship-based approach that promotes healing through safe, guided interactions with animals. Horses, in particular, are highly attuned to human emotions and respond authentically to nonverbal cues. This makes them exceptional partners in therapy, helping participants build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trust.

Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can:

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Lower stress levels and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Improve emotional regulation and resilience
• Strengthen communication and social skills
• Enhance self-esteem and confidence
• Support sensory integration and motor development
• Foster connection, empathy, and healthy attachment

For individuals who have experienced trauma, horses provide immediate, honest feedback without judgment. This creates a unique opportunity to rebuild trust, establish healthy boundaries, and practice safe relational skills. For neurodivergent participants, equine interactions can support sensory processing, focus, and self-regulation in a calming, natural environment.

Beyond clinical outcomes, equine-assisted therapy offers something equally important: connection. The bond formed between participant and animal often becomes a bridge to deeper healing, increased hope, and renewed confidence in one’s ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Our program is grounded in respect, safety, and individualized care, ensuring each participant’s experience is empowering, meaningful, and transformative.