Therapeutic Riding Program

Each lesson is 1 hour long, and consists of stretching/riding skills, and/or a trail ride, if time allows. The therapy program runs monthly. In our lessons we use obstacles, and games to help children develop their cognitive and dexterity skills. Lessons are open to riders 5 and up, who have a disability. We allow siblings of therapy riders to join the riding lessons, to promote family bonding, and joined activities.

Therapeutic riding has been used to help people with many disabilities. Benefits to riders include: 

- Increase of physical strength

- Communication

- Motor skills

- Social skills 

- Improves responses to verbal, and external stimuli, while promoting a sense of relaxation and accomplishment 

Although the horses are led during the lessons, the riders learn to communicate with the horse through voice, use of reins for steering, and legs for movement. 

Activities in addition to learning basic riding skills may include: 

Strength and dexterity work through reaching, and moving objects, increased memory, and team work through scavenger hunts & playing games. Physical benefits manifest in better posture, balance, and strength, as a horses movement mimics the pelvic movement of a human.  
 

Disabilities benefiting from horse therapy include, but are not limited to: - ADD/ADHD - Down`s syndrome - Cognitive Impairments - Autism - Amputations - Cerebral palsy - Behavioural problems due to physical or mental abuse - Behaviour problems and Learning disabilities - Emotional problems - Hearing, speech and visual impairments - Orthopedic Conditions and more!
 

The riding program is overseen by an instructor  who is certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). We are limited to a mounting block for mounting riders onto horses. Due to our limitations in equipment, riders must physically be able to step up on the mounting block with assistance from the instructor, and mount the horse. Riders must also be able to  maintain an upright sitting position for the hour long lesson. 

Therapeutic riding generally requires 2-3 volunteers per rider in the form of leaders and side walkers. We encourage parents to sidewalk during their child's riding lesson. Sidewalker's support, and help the rider as needed to perform the lesson tasks, and it's a great way for parents to be part of their children's activities. 

**All riders must be wearing covered footwear with a heel (approx 1-1.5 inches), and must wear a riding helmet (ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet), these can be purchased at G&E Pharmacy in Edmonton. Riders may purchase their own helmet, or use one provided by the facility. 

**Bike helmets are not approved**

Cost for 4 Sessions/Month

Group Lessons $225/Month + gst 

Private Lessons $295/Month + gst 

Classes fill up fast - In order to secure a spot, please email us at info.MeadowRidge@gmail.com