Programs – Happy Trails Riding Academy

Equine-assisted services use the horse’s dynamic movement to improve trunk mobility and strength which in turn, affects limb function. The horse provides a consistent and rhythmic movement pattern that facilitates the treatment goals, which are crucial to the student’s success. Current equine-assisted services (EAS) include: Therapeutic Riding (TR), Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy/Learning (EFP/L), and Equine Services for Heroes.

Each of our programs is taught by a PATH 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 are challenged by 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 – 6 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 a well as offer competition venues. Riding a horse provides a unique and often profound recreational or leisure activity for many people.

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a solo-participant class utilizing the horse as a therapeutic modality facilitating normal human posture and movement under the direction of a Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapist. EAT uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the clients. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Class is available on a limited basis. Please call our office for further information.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy/Learning (EFP/L)

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy/learning (EFP/L) 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.

Equine Services for Heroes (EAS)

Equine Services for Heroes (EAS) is our newest program addition. Happy Trails works closely with the Wounded Warrior Project 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 –$420.00 per 12-week session for Therapeutic Horsemanship group riding lessons.
$480.00 per 12-week session for Equine-Assisted Therapy.
No cost for Equine Services for Heroes.