Ride On teaches adaptive horseback riding to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and we provide Physical, Occupational, and Speech and Language therapy specializing in using the movement of the horse to improve specific medical conditions. Ride On has given over 130,000 safe, effective and individualized lessons and therapy treatments and currently serves 225 individuals each week.
Adaptive or therapeutic riding is a unique combination of sport, recreation and education. Specially trained PATH certified instructors use their knowledge of disabilities to teach horsemanship skills to riders with varying ability levels.
A typical lesson involves safety on and around horses, warm up exercises, games and riding skills including equitation and obstacle. Increased strength, balance and self-esteem are some of the benefits of this wonderful recreational activity.
All riders wear an ASTM-SEI approved helmet and use standard English or western tack or equipment specially adapted to their needs. Riders should wear long pants and closed toe shoes or boots.
Lessons are charged by the session and are 8 weeks long. Our staff will evaluate students and their goals and ability will determine the length of the riding lesson. Lessons are $53 for a ½ hour private or a 1-hour group lesson (3 or more riders). The minimum recommended age for adaptive riding is 4 years old however we do have programs for younger children. Scholarships are available for those in financial need.
For more information Email Nancy: Nancy@RideOn.org
Hippotherapy is one of several treatment strategies that a therapist can use as part of a treatment plan. Specifically, Hippotherapy is the use of the horse’s movement and sensory input for improving function. Licensed Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists properly position the patient on the horse, analyze the patient’s response and direct the horse’s movement to achieve specific patient treatment goals. This strategy can be used effectively to improve a variety of functional areas including balance, posture, mobility, communication and behavior for patients of all ages and many disabilities.
The well-trained therapy horse moves in a rhythmic, symmetrical and organized way. Each step the horse takes provides strong sensory and physical input in many dimensions including up and down; side to side; and back and forth. By asking for variations in these movements the therapist gains results that cannot be achieved by a machine or duplicated in a clinic setting.
The very capable horses at Ride On have been carefully selected for their movement quality and even temperament and then further trained. The horse accurately and tirelessly provides ample opportunities for the patient to experience movement and sensory input that will enhance the quality of life.
For more information Email Sunny: Sunny@RideOn.org
Ride On hosts Instructor Workshops and Continuing Education days. Stay tuned for the next event!
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Ride On offers lessons for the siblings of our riders as well as the general public. Our PATH certified instructors and gentle horses are perfect for all those wishing to take beginner or intermediate English or western style lessons. We offer lessons at both Newbury Park and Chatsworth for only $53 for a group lesson (3 or more) for 1 hour.
For more information Email Nancy: Nancy@RideOn.org