Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding offers equine-assisted activities in weekly lessons where students interact with specially trained horses. The program is dedicated to serving riders with special needs through these equine-assisted activities. Lesson plans are developed with input from parents, physicians, physical therapists, and special education teachers, and lessons enhance physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skills. The program stresses having fun in a safe and rewarding environment, and students interact with specially trained horses year-round in weekly lessons.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Tuesday–Friday during the day and on weekends

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding program is part of an organization established in 1972, where “people help animals and animals help people.” The program is back to full capacity with a lengthy waiting list. Lessons are taught by experienced PATH certified staff members, and the program is led by Therapeutic Riding Administrative Coordinator Gretchen Davis. Helen Woodward Animal Center has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022. The Therapeutic Riding program gives special thanks for support from Charity Fair Horse Show, Confidence Foundation, Evergate Stables, Harriet E Pfleger Foundation, Jeanne Bates Household, John & Beverly Stauffer Foundation, The Menard Foundation, and Myers Family Foundation. Families can also find a Sponsor A Therapy Horse page to support the animals and help preserve the program, as well as a YouTube page with fun, educational videos created by the Therapeutic Riding team.

Last updated March 24, 2026.