Central Illinois Riding Therapy Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program
Neumann Park, 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
About
Central Illinois Riding Therapy Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons that include horse care, stable maintenance, office work, and videotaping of classes, shows, and special events. Weekly riding lessons are individually tailored for children over 4 years old, youth, adults, and US Veterans with mental, physical, emotional, and/or behavioral disabilities. The program is open to any person with a disability whose doctor has determined that horseback riding could provide beneficial therapy, and participants must have negative AAI for Down Syndrome.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: 30- or 60-minute lessons offered April through November, with class times available on weekdays in the afternoon and evening
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 of that year with seed money from 4-H. The organization moved through several sites in Peoria and Tazewell counties until a permanent location was established in the spring of 1988. The program operates under the 4-H not-for-profit 501C3 charter and follows guidelines from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), now known as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Classes are taught by PATH Intl. Certified Instructors.
The program serves children and adults with disabilities from Tazewell and surrounding counties in a recreational and therapeutic horseback riding program. It serves individuals with a variety of physical, emotional, behavioral, and mental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, visual and hearing impairments, Wounded Warriors, learning disabilities, and others. Activities in the program are described as enhancing physical and mental skills, aiding in mobilization, promoting socialization and communication, and building independence and self-confidence. Volunteer training is offered to give volunteers the skills and confidence to participate in the program, and the organization states a commitment to the principle that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities and rights as their non-disabled peers.
To join the program, a participant must complete a Rider Form and return it to Central Illinois Riding Therapy, including a section that must be filled out by the participant’s doctor. After all forms are received, staff call to set up an evaluation and tour of the facility, which is normally done on Thursday evenings. After the evaluation and review of all information by instructors, participants receive a call to schedule classes. The program notes that it no longer uses a fax machine.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: 30- or 60-minute lessons offered April through November, with class times available on weekdays in the afternoon and evening
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 of that year with seed money from 4-H. The organization moved through several sites in Peoria and Tazewell counties until a permanent location was established in the spring of 1988. The program operates under the 4-H not-for-profit 501C3 charter and follows guidelines from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), now known as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Classes are taught by PATH Intl. Certified Instructors.
The program serves children and adults with disabilities from Tazewell and surrounding counties in a recreational and therapeutic horseback riding program. It serves individuals with a variety of physical, emotional, behavioral, and mental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, visual and hearing impairments, Wounded Warriors, learning disabilities, and others. Activities in the program are described as enhancing physical and mental skills, aiding in mobilization, promoting socialization and communication, and building independence and self-confidence. Volunteer training is offered to give volunteers the skills and confidence to participate in the program, and the organization states a commitment to the principle that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities and rights as their non-disabled peers.
To join the program, a participant must complete a Rider Form and return it to Central Illinois Riding Therapy, including a section that must be filled out by the participant’s doctor. After all forms are received, staff call to set up an evaluation and tour of the facility, which is normally done on Thursday evenings. After the evaluation and review of all information by instructors, participants receive a call to schedule classes. The program notes that it no longer uses a fax machine.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.