Programs – Happy Trails Riding Academy

Equine-assisted services provide a unique opportunity to incorporate horses (and other equines) to benefit a variety of people. Current equine-assisted services (EAS) at Happy Trails include: Therapeutic Horsemanship (TR), Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy(EFP), and Equine Services for Heroes (ESH).

Each of our programs is taught by a PATH International certified instructor. A potential rider is evaluated and placed in one of our programs based on the individual needs of the rider.

Our riders range in age from six to 50+ with the majority (90%) under the age of 18. Our riders experience a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, post-traumatic stress, and various psychosocial challenges.

Therapeutic Horsemanship (TR)

Therapeutic Horsemanship (TR) group classes consist of 2 – 4 participants in which English and Western horsemanship skills are the focus. Therapeutic horsemanship teaches a person with a disability how to work safely around and as a partner with a horse. However, the environment of the horse can provide more than just riding skills. It provides an atmosphere to teach companionship, responsibility, leadership, vocational and educational skills, as well as offer competition venues. Riding a horse provides a unique and often profound recreational or leisure activity for many people.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a transformative therapy that involves the relationship between a therapist, a client and an equine. It is a metaphorical, hands-on mental health treatment that is based on the dynamic relationship with an animal. These classes are co-facilitated by both a PATH Intl. certified professional as well as a mental health professional.

*This service is offered in partnership with Hope Horizon. Enrollment in this service requires a referral from a mental health professional at Hope Horizon.

Equine Services for Heroes (ESH)

Equine Services for Heroes (ESH) is our newest program addition. Happy Trails works closely with a variety of veterans’ organizations to provide therapeutic horsemanship to warriors who are dealing with everything from physical injuries to post-traumatic stress (PTS). Therapeutic horsemanship has been proven to help warriors strengthen physically, mentally, and emotionally in a positive and welcoming environment.

Program Costs

Cost per rider – $480.00 per 12-week session for Therapeutic Horsemanship group riding lessons.
$540.00 per 12-week session for Equine-Assisted Therapy.
No cost for Equine Services for Heroes.