SUPPORTED BY FRIENDS OF LEAPS & BOUNDS
ADAPTIVE HORSEMANSHIP
Adaptive Horsemanship at Friends of Leaps & Bounds
What Is Adaptive Horsemanship?
Adaptive Horsemanship is an inclusive equine-assisted program designed to support the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. Through both mounted riding and unmounted horsemanship education, participants build skills in flexibility, strength, balance, self-confidence, and social interaction—all while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with horses.
Unlike clinical therapy services such as hippotherapy, Adaptive Horsemanship is a recreational and educational program led by trained instructors. It focuses on riding skills, horse care, and equine knowledge, making it a valuable experience for individuals seeking personal growth, outdoor recreation, and connection with animals.
Who Can Participate?
Adaptive Horsemanship is open to:
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Individuals with disabilities ages 4 and up
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Siblings and individuals without a diagnosis who want to ride in an inclusive setting
Our instructors have experience working with a wide range of diagnoses, including:
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Down Syndrome
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Cerebral Palsy
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Spina Bifida
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Developmental Delay
Each participant completes an intake assessment to determine their riding ability and placement in either group or private lessons. Our instructors may collaborate with licensed therapists to ensure safety and support individualized goals.
What’s Included
Mounted Activities:
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Horseback riding instruction
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Balance and posture development
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Riding games and skill-building
Unmounted Horsemanship Education:
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Grooming and tacking
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Horse anatomy and care
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Equine-themed learning activities (especially on rainy, windy, or hot days)
These activities promote independence, safety, and confidence while deepening the rider’s connection to the horse.
Program Pricing
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First-Time Registration Fee: $75 (due before intake assessment)
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Group Lessons (2+ riders): $80 per lesson
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Private Lessons (1 hour): $100 per lesson
Lesson type is determined based on the intake assessment.
Financial Assistance
We understand that equine-assisted programs can be costly. That’s why Friends of Leaps & Bounds, our nonprofit organization, offers financial hardship assistance to qualifying families. Applications are available in our main lobby or can be downloaded here.
Financial Assistance Cover Letter Link
Financial Assistance Application LINK
Contact Us About Adaptive Horsemanship
Have questions about our Adaptive Horsemanship program, billing, scheduling, or financial assistance? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.