Central Illinois Riding Therapy
Neumann Park, 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
About
Central Illinois Riding Therapy offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons and recreational horseback riding, with classes taught by PATH Intl. Certified Instructors. Participants and volunteers may also take part in horse care, stable maintenance, office work, videotaping of classes, shows and special events, and a variety of CIRT events such as the CIRT Pony Express 5K and 1K Walk-Trot, CIRT Derby Day Fundraiser, CIRT Annual Benefit Open Horse and Tack Sale Show, CIRT Sporting Clay Shoot, CIRT Car and Motorcycle Show, CIRT Barn Dance, and CIRT Holiday Party.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Weekly 1/2-hour or 1-hour riding lessons offered April through November
Central Illinois Riding Therapy began in 1983, when a group from Peoria and Tazewell counties met to discuss starting a handicapped riding program, and its first classes started in October 1983 with seed money from 4-H. The program moved to several sites in Peoria and Tazewell counties until a permanent location was established in the spring of 1988. It operates under the 4-H not-for-profit 501C3 charter and follows guidelines from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), formerly the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The mission of Central Illinois Riding Therapy is to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities through horseback riding and related activities in an atmosphere designed by professionals and implemented primarily by volunteers. The program serves children, teens, adults, and U.S. Veterans with mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities, and is open to any person with a disability whose doctor has determined that horseback riding could provide beneficial therapy. Its philosophy focuses on the growth and development of each individual, with a goal for every student to ride as independently as possible, and volunteer training is provided so volunteers have the skills and confidence to participate in the program.
To become a participant, families complete a Rider Form, including a section for the doctor to fill out, and after all forms are received, an evaluation and tour of the facility are usually scheduled on Thursday evenings. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Weekly 1/2-hour or 1-hour riding lessons offered April through November
Central Illinois Riding Therapy began in 1983, when a group from Peoria and Tazewell counties met to discuss starting a handicapped riding program, and its first classes started in October 1983 with seed money from 4-H. The program moved to several sites in Peoria and Tazewell counties until a permanent location was established in the spring of 1988. It operates under the 4-H not-for-profit 501C3 charter and follows guidelines from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), formerly the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The mission of Central Illinois Riding Therapy is to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities through horseback riding and related activities in an atmosphere designed by professionals and implemented primarily by volunteers. The program serves children, teens, adults, and U.S. Veterans with mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities, and is open to any person with a disability whose doctor has determined that horseback riding could provide beneficial therapy. Its philosophy focuses on the growth and development of each individual, with a goal for every student to ride as independently as possible, and volunteer training is provided so volunteers have the skills and confidence to participate in the program.
To become a participant, families complete a Rider Form, including a section for the doctor to fill out, and after all forms are received, an evaluation and tour of the facility are usually scheduled on Thursday evenings. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.