Therapeutic Horseback Riding lessons are taught by a PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor with a team of 1-3 volunteers per rider. We currently operate Monday-Saturday, providing lessons both mornings and afternoons, depending on the day. Riders are in group or private classes ranging from 30-45 minutes for each lesson during a given session. Riders participate in tasks and games that encourage physical strengthening and cognitive improvement, while learning basic riding skills. The emphasis is on developing riding skills in a safe environment that is both therapeutic and fun. Specific goals are set for each rider at the beginning of a session based upon input from the rider’s parents, physician, and therapists.

In order to begin participating in our Therapeutic Horseback Riding program you must complete the Rider Registration Packet and return the originals to the Freedom Ride office. Once we have received your paperwork, our office will contact you to set up a New Rider Evaluation. An evaluation is a very important part of our program, allowing us to determine rider skill level, abilities, best horse, volunteer needs and the most suitable time slots on our schedule. It is ONLY after we complete an evaluation that we can determine if there is a place on the schedule for the rider. Please note that therapeutic riding is NOT covered by insurance and there is a fee for this program.

Basic Fees:
New Rider Evaluation Fee: $65 (payable at time of service)
Group (30-minute lesson): $35 per class (tack/does not groom)
Group (45-minute lesson): $35 per class (tack/does groom)
Private (45-minute lesson): $50 per class (tack/does groom)

The term Hippotherapy means treatment with the help of the horse. The purpose of Hippotherapy is to provide rehabilitative services combining classical equine techniques with the long and short-term goals of traditional physical, occupational and speech therapy. This is a specialized therapy service that requires a specialized certification from the American Hippotherapy Association.

In order to participate in Hippotherapy sessions, an individual must have a prescription from a physician. Therapists providing this service are Independent Contractors and set their own fee for the therapy session. This service may qualify for insurance reimbursement. Since the use of the horse as a unique tool is optional there is an additional out of pocket fee to pay for costs incurred by Freedom Ride for the use of their horses, facilities, instructors and volunteers. Participants are scheduled through the Therapist.

Basic Fees:
Facility Fee (payable to Freedom Ride): $40 per visit
PT/OT Evaluation (at initial visit): additional cost may apply
Therapy Session (payable to therapist): $ determined by therapy center