Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding may be divided into three categories. Centers may offer one or more of these approaches, or an integration of all three approaches.

• Recreational/Sport (e.g. trail riding, driving, vaulting, and competition) " 
• Educational (emphasis on educational, behavioral, social, or emotional growth)
• Medical (the use of therapists or psychologists as an integral part of the program. Hippotherapy is one special category within this division in which specially trained physical or occupational therapists direct the riding program. Equine-facilitated mental health is another category in which psychologists plan and direct the lessons for specific mental health goals.)

Currently, there are over 700 therapeutic riding centers serving approximately 35,000 riders with disabilities in North America. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was founded in 1969 to serve as an advisory board to the various "riding for the disabled" groups. NARHA provides safety guidelines and training, certifies riding instructors, accredits centers according to a set of established standards, offers low-cost insurance to member organizations, and disseminates information.

For more information about therapeutic riding, contact NARHA (800 369-RIDE; www.narha.org)

Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. provides recreational and educational therapeutic riding services. Through horsemanship training and other activities, we at Hoofbeats strive to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and the social and educational skills of our clients. Hoofbeats participants include children and adults (ranging in age from 4 to 90+ years old) with physical, mental, emotional, speech, and learning disabilities; people with serious illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and various forms of cancer; and a limited number of individuals who are able-bodied (primarily siblings of clients and a few volunteers.) Hoofbeats is an accredited member operating center of the NARHA and is a member of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV). Our instructor is a NARHA-Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

Therapeutic riding sessions are offered by appointment only. Lessons are designed with each client's specific goals in mind. Most sessions are scheduled either on an individual basis or in groups of no more than three riders with similar therapy objectives and skill levels. Depending on the goals established for the rider, sessions may include grooming, tacking up, mounted exercises, games, and/or educational drills. The instructional approach is Balance Seat Equitation.

Individuals wishing to apply to Hoofbeats for therapeutic riding must fill out Registration and Release forms, including a physician-signed medical release. Hoofbeats also requires access to pertinent medical and therapy information. Hoofbeats will provide perspective students with all necessary forms and other paperwork. Hoofbeats' participants from previous years need to be aware that release forms must be renewed annually. Please be assured that Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center holds all personal information in strict confidence.

NOTICE: Please note that horseback riding is contraindicated for some conditions/individuals, and Hoofbeats reserves the right to deny services to individuals based upon concerns for the applicant’s safety and/or the safety of the horses, volunteers, or instructors.