Therapeutic Riding

“Therapeutic horseback riding provides benefits from a physical and social-emotional point of view, improving balance and coordination, strengthening muscles, increasing self-esteem, enhancing confidence, and promoting independence. I have seen kids who participate only in the care of the horses also have tremendous benefits with decreased anxiety and improved self-regulation. The calming environment of being around the horses and the horses sensing and reacting to emotions, help with how to center oneself and control  reactions. We are lucky to have Rainbow Riders as a partner in our care teams for the children of Newfoundland and Labrador”. 

— Tyna Doyle, MD, FRCPC, Developmental Paediatrician

To participate in the riding program, each individual will need a physician referral form completed by their family doctor and a registration form completed by their parent, guardian, or themselves. Each therapeutic riding lesson is instructed by one of our CanTRA certified instructors, or an instructor candidate under the supervision of a certified instructor. Riders may ride independently or with a team of volunteers who offer support as needed. The lesson topics depend on the needs and goals of the participant including learning riding skills, fine and gross motor development, verbal communication skills, etc. Lessons range from 30 minutes to 1 hour in private, semi-private, and group lessons.

Who is Eligible?

We offer programming to children and adults of all ages who have a physical, emotional, cognitive or social disability. This includes a wide variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to:

  • Autism

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Down Syndrome

  • ADHD

  • Emotional Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Genetic Anomalies

  • Blindness

  • Hearing or Speech Impairment

  • Anxiety, Depression and/or other mental health related diagnoses

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

  • Developmental Coordination Disorder

  • Cognitive Delay

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Muscular Dystrophy

  • Amputation, including congenital limb absence

  • Etc. 

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

We offer programming to children and adults of all ages who have a physical, emotional, cognitive or social disability. This includes a wide variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to:

  • Improved balance and muscle strength

  • Improved coordination and faster reflexes

  • Improved gross and fine motor skills

  • Increased muscular control

  • Stress reduction

  • Increased circulation

  • Increased self-confidence

  • Increased self-esteem and self-image