Providing Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies since 1987
(602) 569-6056
Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship
Horses Help’s Adaptive Riding/Horsemanship program focuses on teaching riding and horsemanship skills while challenging participants physically, cognitively and socially. Each PATH International- Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist work with participants as young as four to motivate and assist them in safely developing independent skills that can carry over to their everyday lives.
Adaptive Riding and Adaptive Horsemanship classes are conducted as group lessons. Working with parents/guardians/caregivers and the participant, instructors set individualized goals that each person sets out to achieve at his/her own pace. With the support of the instructor, community volunteers, and their trusted horse, participants are able to realize their full potential and achieve amazing results.
Interested in Becoming a participant? Follow these easy steps!
- Contact Shelly at shelly.w@horseshelp.org for the New Participant Application
- Return completed New Participant Application (including physician release) to Horses Help in one of three ways:
- Mail to: Horses Help Attn: Program Director, P.O. Box 71005 Phoenix, AZ 85050
- Drop off: 2601 E. Rose Garden Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85050
- Scan and Email to: shelly.w@horseshelp.org
- After reviewing your application, the Program Director will contact you with additional questions and/or to set up a rider intake.
- Scheduling will be determined at rider intake.
Program Options and Cost:
Adaptive Riding, Adaptive Horsemanship, Games-Based Adaptive Riding
The Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship program is geared to a wide range of riders with varying physical and mental diagnoses. This program is a recreational model where riders focus on learning riding skills, interacting with their peers and having fun in a safe environment. Riders are supported by a team of one to three volunteers who may assist in leading the horse and/or providing moral or physical support. Riders are grouped by similar abilities and riding skills. Some riders enjoy the Games-Based Adaptive Riding classes that incorporate fun games which reinforce riding skills.
- $35/class- 30 minute group lesson (Adaptive Riding or Games-Based)
- $55/Class- 60 minute group lesson (Adaptive Riding + Adaptive Horsemanship)
Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Private and Semi-Private Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship Lessons are available at the center. Class days and times are affected by instructor, volunteer and horse availability.
- $45/class- 30 Semi-Private Lesson (Adaptive Riding or Games-Based Riding)
- $65/class- 60 Minute Semi-Private Lesson (Adaptive Horsemanship + Adaptive Riding)
- $80/Class- 60 Minute Private Lesson (Adaptive Horsemanship + Adaptive Riding)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does insurance cover Adaptive (therapeutic) Riding?
A: At this time, typical insurance does not cover Adaptive Riding since it is a recreational activity. In some cases AHCCCS or ESA may provide supplemental funding for this activity. Contact your case manager for more information.
Q: How many students are in a ‘group’ lesson?
A: Group lessons are typically limited to a maximum of four mounted riders per class.
Q: How many times per week will I ride?
A: Participants usually have one lesson per week.
Q: What days and times are classes offered?
A: Classes are offered at various times throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening; Monday-Saturday. No classes offered on Sundays.
Q: Am I too young/old for Adaptive Riding?
A: We serve riders ranging from 4 years of age to seniors!
Q: What is a rider intake?
A: A rider intake is a 30-45 minute meeting at Horses Help. This meeting enables the potential participant to see the facility, meet the staff and ask questions. This is also a key time for a trained staff member to do an in-person evaluation of the potential rider so that individual goals can be set, questions answered, and to learn more about you!
Q: What is ‘horsemanship’?
A: In Horsemanship, participants focus on working with horses on the ground, building a stronger relationship and learn fundamental skills such as grooming, tacking, leading, etc. It is highly recommended to include Adaptive Horsemanship as an addition to Adaptive Riding classes as ground work with horses goes hand-in-hand with riding.