See What’s Possible with Therapeutic Horsemanship Lessons
Experience the Benefits of Clinics
Therapeutic horsemanship has many benefits that touch different areas of students’ lives, and many of our students experience improvement in their physical, psychological, emotional, and social development. A participant may enjoy some or all of these benefits:
Improved Physical Strength and Coordination
The horse’s gait moves the rider’s body gently and rhythmically, simulating a human walk without requiring weight bearing.
Horseback riding…
- Improves balance
- Builds strength
- Enhances coordination
- Expands range of motion
- Increases trunk and extremity control
- Improves posture while seated and standing
- Tones muscles
- Relaxes spastic muscles
- Develops gross and fine motor skills
- Increases range of motion
- Improves perceptual/sensory motor integration
- Enhances cardiovascular function and stamina
Riding is a far more physically rigorous activity than you may realize. From core strength to gross and fine motor skills, horsemanship trains the body across most muscle groups, providing notable benefits to those with physical health struggles.
Increased Confidence
The animal-human bond is strong and can help to build self-confidence and self-worth. Participants will often develop relationships with their horse and instructors, which can lead to confidence in forging and maintaining relationships outside our facilities.
“I was so proud when I won my first ribbon. I got to do something that was all my own.” —GMTRC Rider
Social Opportunities
There are many opportunities to form friendships with other students, as well as with instructors and volunteers. Horsemanship lessons have been shown to…
- Promote patience
- Expand social skills
- Increase willingness to speak with adults
- Enhance self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-control
- Help with task mastery
- Teach consequences and cause/effect
- Increase sense of desire and responsibility
- Multiply positive social interactions
- Create teamwork opportunities
- Offer interaction with positive role models
- Foster success in a supportive environment
- Increase empathy
- Provide a sense of empowerment
- Encourage the desire to take risks
- Enhance independence
The knowledge the student gains about horses can be a great conversation-starter and lead to more social independence.
Horses are herd animals who innately follow and form connections with others. They react quickly to emotions and communication, so horsemanship requires riders to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills.
Cognitive Progress
Horsemanship lessons aren’t just about physical and social development. In fact, caretakers have reported these improvements:
- Expanded vocabulary (application and recall)
- Better attention and concentration
- Enhanced sequencing and planning skills
- Improved judgment and critical thinking skills
- More flexibility in thinking
- Increased verbal Integration and participation
- Advancement in visual and auditory discrimination
- Better direction following
During lessons, participants will learn the basics of horse care. From brushing and feeding to stable care and cleaning, many easily transferable life skills can be acquired through regular one-on-one lessons.
When and Where are Horsemanship Lessons Provided?
Certified therapeutic instructors teach all lessons and are assisted by our trained volunteers according to the needs of the student. To achieve positive therapeutic benefit, students must commit to a weekly lesson. Lessons are 45 minutes long and are offered year-round.
Students Participate in an Annual Horse Show
Each fall, Greystone Manor TRC holds its annual horse show. All riders who have participated in at least one session are eligible to ride. Each rider participates in a trail class and an equitation class, and all riders earn ribbons for their participation.
The horse show is the pinnacle of our year. A special THANK YOU goes out to all of our Horse Show sponsors who help to make the day such a huge success for everyone.
Choose the Most Comprehensive Riding Center in Lancaster, PA
Our therapeutic horsemanship lessons are among our most popular programs led by certified professionals, and we have multiple volunteers who have undergone training to become Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. This means they have the skills and abilities to help provide safe, productive, and powerful lessons in horsemanship and equestrianism.
We offer more programs, on a larger scale, than any other local therapeutic riding center. This means your student will have access to more resources for better development.
If you have a wish to improve the life of someone with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, epilepsy, or other disorder, equine-assisted services can provide the everyday life enhancements you’ve been searching for. See if our programs are right for you—schedule a facility tour or inquire about participation today!
If You’re a Returning Rider, Please Complete a Medical Assessment
Are you already a student at Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center? But you had to take a break due to illness or injury? Please complete this form before returning: