Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding

At Parkwood Farms, Therapeutic Riding blends the art of horsemanship with the science of movement to create powerful physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and educational benefits for individuals with disabilities or special needs. More than simply learning to ride, our program focuses on building a meaningful connection between horse and rider, fostering trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Riding engages the whole body. To guide and communicate with the horse, riders use core strength, balance, coordination, and motor planning — all while processing sensory input from the horse’s rhythmic gait. This movement closely mirrors the natural motion of human walking, gently stimulating and aligning the rider’s pelvis, spine, and muscles in a way that cannot be replicated by machines.

As riders learn to adjust the horse’s pace and direction, they develop not only physical abilities such as flexibility, muscle tone, and posture, but also important life skills — following directions, problem-solving, and building confidence. The unique setting at Parkwood Farms surrounds each rider with a supportive team and a safe, welcoming environment where progress is celebrated, abilities are nurtured, and every session is a step toward greater independence and self-esteem.

Each rider at Parkwood Farms follows a personalized progression designed to build both riding ability and horsemanship skills. Lessons begin with the fundamentals — walking (walk on), halting (ho), trotting, backing, reversing, and turning — all essential for safe and confident control of the horse. As riders grow in skill and trust, they advance toward greater independence in the saddle. Along the way, they naturally develop improved posture, self-control, focus, and problem-solving abilities, while experiencing the joy and empowerment that comes from working in harmony with their horse.

Horseback riding and horse care gives children a feeling of freedom, purpose, and independence. There are numerous benefits related to riding including the sense of accomplishment, improved listening and communication skills, sensory awareness, concentration, and patience, just to mention a few.

Safety is the top priority of the program. All riders are required to wear regulation safety helmets, closed riding shoes with a heel and are supervised at all times by a horse leader and either one to two side-walkers, or spotter depending on the rider's level of ability and skills.