Click Here for the 2008 class schedule

Classes offered at Happy Trails

     We assist riders with cerebral palsy, ADD, ADHD, head trauma/brain injury, sight/hearing impaired, developmentally disabled, autism, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.  The horse’s body moves the rider’s body like it is walking.  No piece of gym equipment can replicate this three-dimensional motion.  Benefits from therapeutic riding:  increased balance, strength and flexibility, increased ability to process information, improved language and communication skills, and increased independence and self-confidence.

     Hippotherapy uses the horse as a dynamic base to improve trunk mobility and strength which in turn, affects limb function.  The horse provides a consistent and rhythmic movement pattern that facilitates the treatment goals, which are crucial to the client’s success.  In Hippotherapy, the volunteers, the horse and the rider all form the therapy team.  Each member of the team plays a unique role to ensure the rider receives the best and most effective treatment.

     We also offer Vaulting classes.  Vaulting is gymnastics on horseback.  The riders practice their compulsory moves on a barrel and then on the back of a moving horse to music. 

Cost per rider

     We charge $150.00 per six-week session for group riding lessons or vaulting and $180.00 per six-week session for hippotherapy. This amount is less than one third of the actual cost.   A gift of $500 will put a smile on the face of a rider with a disability by enabling them to participate in therapeutic horseback riding for one year.