Adaptive Riding Lessons and Equine Assisted Learning
Helping Riders Grow with Confidence, Skill, and Safety
What We Offer
Our adaptive Riding and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs supports individuals with developmental disabilities. in learning horseback riding and caring for horses. Each lesson is designed to help riders become more independent, both in the saddle and on the ground.
What makes us different?
Our instructors bring over 30+ years of professional equestrian coaching experience, each offering comprehensive training for both riders and horses. This is not a hobby—it’s a career built on safety, skill, and a deep commitment to our riders. While we are not therapists, our experience ensures a safe, enriching, and empowering environment
What is Adaptive Riding? (mounted lesson)
Adaptive Riding is a specialized equestrian program that teaches horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social challenges.
The focus is on building horsemanship and riding skills while unlocking profound physical, emotional, and social benefits.
The Benefits of the Ride
Physical Strength & Balance: A horse’s natural walking gait mimics the human walking motion. This movement gently stimulates the rider's pelvic muscles, core, and spine, improving balance, posture, coordination, and muscle tone.
Cognitive & Emotional Growth: Navigating a horse requires focus, spatial awareness, and sequence following. Achieving riding goals boosts self-esteem, builds patience, and fosters deep emotional bonds with the animal.
Inclusion & Independence: The saddle is a great equalizer. Up on a horse, riders experience a unique sense of freedom, control, and independence that they may not experience in their daily lives.
How It Works
Customized Adaptations: Lessons utilize specialized tack (like adaptive saddles or reins), unique mounting ramps, and tailored teaching strategies to ensure every rider can participate safely.
A Supportive Team: Each session is a team effort. Depending on the rider's needs, sessions include a certified instructor, a horse leader, and up to two side-walkers to ensure total safety and encouragement.
What is Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)? (unmounted lessons)
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) We recognize not everyone is ready to get on top of a horse/pony. Our EAL lessons are a powerful, hands-on educational approach that partners humans with horses to develop leadership, communication, and essential life skills. Unlike traditional therapy, EAL focuses on personal growth, coaching, and team-building through active experience.
Why It Works
Experiential Learning: You learn by doing. Participants engage in ground-based activities like grooming, leading, and navigating obstacles—no riding required.
100% Unmounted & Safe: All interactions take place safely on the ground. No previous horse experience is necessary.
The "Horse Mirror" Effect: As prey animals, horses are highly sensitive to body language and energy. They provide immediate, honest, and non-judgmental feedback, helping participants practice emotional regulation and clear communication in real time.
Who We Serve
Corporate Teams: To elevate leadership, trust, and team cohesion.
Individuals: To build self-confidence, boundary-setting, and resilience.
Youth & Educators: To improve focus, reduce stress, and develop healthy decision-making.
Benefits of Our Programs
Builds physical strength and coordination
Supports emotional and social growth
Encourages focus and confidence
Offers a safe and structured learning space
Emotional, Social, and Psychological Growth
Connecting with an equine partner creates a unique bridge between two souls, offering a sanctuary for those navigating emotional, social, or psychological challenges. In the presence of a horse, individuals find a safe space to cultivate meaningful relationships built on a foundation of pure trust and loyalty.
Because horses offer a direct, non-judgmental reflection of our own actions and energy, these interactions empower participants to find a sense of gentle control and self-agency. This shared journey encourages communication—whether verbal or non-verbal—in a way that feels natural and far less daunting than traditional social settings.
While the benefits are rooted in the transformative power of animal-assisted learning, the experience of being with a horse is deeply personal. It allows individuals to confront fears and find balance within the unpredictable, helping them unlock their potential through the soulful, life-changing bond between human and horse.
Lesson Options & Pricing for both
Adaptive riding and Equine Assisted Learning
Lesson Type Duration Price
Private Lesson: 30 minutes $100 per lesson
Group Lesson 50 minutes $100 per lesson
Payment is due before each session or on a monthly basis.
We do not bill insurance directly, but some health plans may offer reimbursement. Please check with your provider.
TCRC Clients
Please have your caseworker contact us at 805-669-6761 or email equineempowermentfoundation@gmail.com
Financial Assistance
We offer a Sliding Scale Fee Program for income-qualified families.
To apply, email us at: 📧 equineempowermentfoundation@gmail.com
Rider Requirements
To ensure the safety of our horses:
Weight limit: 180 pounds
Weather Policy-Lessons may be canceled due to:
Rain or mud
High winds
Extreme heat
Smoke from wildfires
Cancellation Policy:
If you wish to cancel your ride with us, you must give us 48 hours' notice, or full payment will be taken..
Everyone feels they have a valid reason for us to waive the cancellation fee when a ride is cancelled for social, health, family, or business reasons. But there can be NO EXCEPTIONS to the rule.
Are you ready to ride?
Join a program where lifetime professional equestrian coaching experience, knowledge, and safety. Confidence comes from competence. Choose a program built on both.
