Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding is recreational horseback riding and horsemanship lessons that are adapted for each individual’s unique abilities, needs, and learning styles. These lessons are facilitated by certified Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding instructors who have additional training and skills to assist participants of all abilities in the saddle and on the ground. 

Stable Connections’ Adaptive Riding Instructors are certified through Canada’s national governing body for instructors teaching students with special needs, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). Our CanTRA certified instructors are assisted during lessons by trained horse handlers (who lead the horse, providing direction and reinforcement to the horse following the rider’s cues/riding aids), side-walkers (walking on one or both sides of the horse next to the leg of the rider, providing support and assistance as needed), and interpreters as needed. 

Participants receive education in riding and horsemanship skills, gaining access to recreation and sport and the multitude of benefits that come from adaptive riding. Riding skills based lesson and session goals are established for each participant and adaptive tack and equipment may be incorporated to aid and assist participants to ride. The utilization of mounted and unmounted activities with horses provides a unique combination of physical and emotional benefits for participants.

Some of the Benefits of Adaptive Riding

• Physical strength, balance & coordination
• Self-confidence & self-control
• Social interactions and social skills
• Working towards goals
• Sequencing of tasks
• Being in nature
• Building relationships
• Recreation, sports and exercise

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How is Adaptive Riding Delivered?
Lesson plans are created by certified Adaptive Riding Instructors that include adapted beginner riding and horsemanship skills, activities, games, and goals. Participants attend weekly private, semi-private (2 students), or small group (3-4 students) lessons typically lasting 30 mins - 1 hour.

Who Receives Adaptive Riding?
Participants can be children, youth, or adults who have physical, cognitive or social/emotional conditions, disabilities, or barriers that require adaptations to access horseback riding. Riding instruction is offered to riders of all abilities – from participants’ first contact with a horse, to advanced independent riders. While adaptive riding is beneficial to people of many abilities there are some precautions and contraindications* to working with and riding horses that Stable Connections observes. 

*Horseback riding can be of great benefit for many participants. However, there are some medical conditions and diagnoses that are contraindicated to horseback riding activities that can cause harm to the participant. For the safety and wellbeing of our participants a physician must be consulted concerning the suitability of horseback riding for each participant. Stable Connections reserves the right to determine each individual’s suitability to participate in horseback riding programs. If participants experience any changes in their medical history while enrolled in a Stable Connections program, they must obtain a physician’s update to continue with their riding lessons.