Ph: 712-239-5042 | 33148 K22, SIOUX CITY, IOWA 51108

​​​​​Equine Assisted Services Since 1984

SPECIAL TROOPERS ADAPTIVE RIDING SCHOOL

Therapeutic Riding (TR)

Therapeutic Riding is mounted horseback riding for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities through the teaching of horsemanship skills.  Horses have the most similar gait to that of humans, creating pelvic movement and core stimulation to work toward daily living goals.  Some benefits and goals of those participating in Therapeutic Riding include promoting strength, increasing flexibility, self-regulating, developing balance, improving coordination, help breathing & circulation, boost self-confidence, and build self-esteem.  Therapeutic Riding is the program that started STARS and the program that continues to be the primary program at STARS.  

Therapeutic Riding is available to anyone ages 2 or older with a diagnosed disability.  STARS works with a wide variety of diagnoses; autism, ADHD, Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, anxiety, depression, Down syndrome, and many others.  If someone is interested in participating in the TR program, they must first be approved to participate by their doctor.  There can be contraindications that would prevent someone from being able to participate due to safety related to their diagnosis.  Once approval is given and all paperwork received a participant is paired in class, to the best of STARS’ ability, with others that have similar goals and/or riding ability. 


TR classes are typically offered in the evening Monday thru Wednesday.  A participant come out for their hour-long class where they will groom, tack, and ride their horse.  STARS offers five 6 week sessions throughout the year, so that participant will come out once a week, for an hour, for 6 weeks in a row.  Many participants repeat session after session or choose which sessions they want to participate.  Classes are taught by PATH certified instructors that work on individual goals of the participants by incorporating riding skills, games, walking, trotting, etc.

Goals that a participant could be working toward are things such as strength building, increased flexibility, balance, coordination, self-esteem, and so many others.  If in the situation a participant is not approved for mounted lessons, STARS now offers a new program called GROUND WORK. 


find more information about

Therapeutic Riding Here!