Happy Trails Riding Academy is a PATH International premier accredited center which enriches the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Therapeutic horsemanship has been proven to provide a unique opportunity for self-improvement and independence in a positive learning environment, while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy.
Happy Trails Riding Academy assists riders with Cerebral Palsy, ADD, ADHD, head trauma, brain injury, sight and hearing impairments, developmental disablities, Autism, Down Syndrome, and more.
As the horse’s body moves, the rider’s body moves like it is walking. No piece of gym equipment can replicate this three-dimensional motion. Benefits of therapeutic riding include increased balance, strength, and flexibility. Increased ability to process information, improved language skills, and independence and self-confidence are all a direct result of therapeutic riding.
Physical benefits of therapeutic riding include: stretching of tight or spastic muscles, decreased spasticity, increased range of motion of the joints, reduction of abnormal movement patterns, improved respiration and circulation, improved appetite and digestion, and sensory integration.
Psychological benefits include: improved self-confidence, increased interest in the outside world, increased interest in one’s own life, development of patience, emotional control, self-discipline, sense of normality, and expansion of the focus of control.
Social benefits include: friendship, increased experiences, and enjoyment.
Happy Trails Riding Academy is the only fully accredited therapeutic riding center in the San Joaquin Valley between Bakersfield and Modesto. Our riders range in age from 6 to 50+ with the majority (90%) under the age of eighteen.