What kind of lessons are available?

All lessons are individually geared to the needs of the rider.  Initially, all students ride with a leader who controls the horse and one or two side-walkers who walk on either side of the horse for safety concerns.  Scenarios differ depending on the need of the rider.  We remove side-walkers and the leader only when a student can demonstrate complete control of the horse.  We try to start all riders on a bareback pad to assess balance and muscle tone.  Riding on bareback pads provides excellent sensory feedback to the rider.  We generally will try to use English saddles because they also provide more feedback from the horse's movement.  Western saddles are often used to provide more security to novice riders who benefit from riding independently.

What is the benefit and goal of the lessons?

The goal of each lesson is to motivate students to ride as independently as possible in order to receive maximum benefits.  Benefits may include enhanced balance, muscle development, and learning skills such as:  hand-eye coordination, concentration, and short-term memory.

How does a person with a physical disability get on a horse?

We have designed a special mounting ramp that allows one to get a wheelchair almost level to the horse's back.  The horse is brought right up to the student and we assist the rider onto the horse.

How long and how often are the lessons?

The lessons run from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of riders in the class.  Most riders come once or twice a week.  There are 48 riding weeks per year.  The program runs year-round.  Students may take lessons for as long as they find them beneficial.  There is no set length of time for the program.  We've had students involved in the program for 6 months to 6 years. 

What is the cost of the program?

The cost of the program is $25 per lesson which is billed monthly. .  Partial and full scholarships may be available.
 

Are all disabilities accepted in the program?

Partners accepts a wide variety of riders with special needs and follows NARHA guidelines when determining the appropriateness of our program for each rider.  Our riders come from individual families, group homes, and special education programs.  We accept referrals from physicians, therapists, schools, and California Regional Centers.