Adaptive Riding

As with all activities involving horses, Adaptive Riding improves the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of our riders. Heartland’s PATH Intl Certified Instructors teach adaptive riding skills to individuals aged 4 to adult with diverse special needs. Lessons focus on an individual’s abilities and goals. As participants learn horsemanship and riding skills, they gain a sense of freedom and independence, interact with peers, and learn new skills in a fun-filled environment.

The motion of the horse can be very therapeutic. The rhythmic movement of a horse mimics a human gait and moves the rider’s body in a way that improves balance, strength, muscle control and tone, flexibility and coordination.

Adaptive riding lessons are appropriate for individuals aged four and over who are able to self-support while seated and are deemed safe to ride by their physician. Once a rider application has been completed, you will complete a short evaluation with our instructors and then placed in an age and ability appropriate weekly class. 

Each class is 45 minutes for the duration of a 16 week session. Due to the generosity of donors, we are able to keep our fees lower than our costs. The fee per lesson is $45. Scholarships are available and no rider will be turned away due to inability to pay. Please email info@HTRkc.org for questions regarding rider eligibility, the application process, and scholarship qualifications.