Adaptive riding is a recreational activity for individuals with disabilities focused on teaching horsemanship skills, specifically through riding, in ways that are adapted to meet the needs of the individual. Lessons are taught by PATH, Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Benefits of adaptive riding are seen in the lives of our clients in the areas of education, health, leisure, sports and recreation.

Riding on the back of a horse rhythmically moves the body of the rider in a way that can be compared to a human’s movement. This helps riders with physical disabilities display improvement in muscle strength, balance and flexibility.

Besides the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, individuals also enjoy accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities.

Ages: 4+.

Interested in Adaptive Riding?

Fill out our Participant Intake Form to join our waiting list. When a spot open, an OTR staff will contact you.

Pricing per 1 Hour Session

• $45 – 3 or More Participants
• $50 – 2 Participants
• $65 – Private
• $100 – Initial Evaluation to Determine Eligibility

Open T.R.A.I.L. does not bill insurance. All Therapeutic Riding Lessons are Private Pay.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions at Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch (OTR) are completely ground based (no riding) and can consist of learning to connect with a horse through grooming, leading, lunging, round pen work, and much more. EAL lessons are conducted by a PATH, Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health Learning.

Our EAL program here at OTR is centered on the concept that by building a working relationship with a horse, any participant can develop important skills that can translate to all aspects of their daily lives. The building of the relationship is the main focus of our program. This relationship is facilitated by our trained and certified EAL Practitioners, who assist the participant in recognizing the non-verbal communication that horses use every day.

Horses being herd animals react strongly to the body language and behavior of those around them. The horse’s reactivity is a direct relation to the inputs they are receiving from the participant, acting almost as a living mirror reflecting the emotions and actions of the participant back on to them. This can lead to self-reflection in the participant, which is important for personal growth.

Occasionally, lessons will consist of some work on the horse as determined by the instructor.

Ages: 6+.

Interested in Equine Assisted Learning?

Fill out our Participant Intake Form to join our waiting list. When a spot open, an OTR staff will contact you.

Pricing per 1 Hour Session

• $50 – 2 or More Participants
• $70 – Private
• $100 – Initial Evaluation to Determine Eligibility 

Open T.R.A.I.L. does not bill insurance. All Equine Assisted Learning Lessons are Private Pay.

Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch strives to make equine assisted services affordable and accessible to all who can benefit. One way we do this is through Participant Scholarships. 

The resources for Open T.R.A.I.L. Scholarships are limited and dependent on availability of donated funds. We try to provide financial assistance to those participants who cannot afford the fee. However, we do request that participants make any possible payments before the end of the session.

Scholarships are awarded based on need and decided by the Open T.R.A.I.L. Scholarship Committee. Financial assistance is given by session, Spring, Summer or Fall. Applicants must apply for each session to be considered for a scholarship.

Scholarship Application Deadlines:

• December 31 for Spring Session
• April 30 for Summer Session
• August 15 for Fall Session

Click here for full list of eligibility requirements and to download the scholarship application.

Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The support of our community, partner organizations, businesses, and individuals is vital to continuing our mission to serve individuals with disabilities through equine assisted services.

Click here to make a donation.

Volunteers are the hands and feet of our organization. We would not be able to provide the services to our participants without the care, dedication and support of our volunteer team. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Open T.R.A.I.L., please see the many ways you can volunteer with us below.

HELPING HAND
Provides assistance with projects (big or small) or daily chores to help maintain and better the center. The perfect job for groups or volunteers under the age or 14, with parental supervision.

Requirements for a helping hand include:

• Complete Helping Hands Training 
• Attentive to instructions
• Do not mind getting dirty
• Physically capable for assigned task

SIDE WALKER
Helps engage the rider during the lesson and maintain the safety of the rider by providing physical and emotional support. No previous experience necessary, we will be happy to provide all training.

Requirements for side walkers include:

• 14 years or older
• Attended a Helping Hands Training
• Complete Side Walker Training
• Able to walk for 30-60 minutes
• Enjoy interacting with rider

HORSE HANDLER
Grooms, tacks, and leads the horse during the lesson to maintain the safety of the horse. Horse experience is a plus! We will provide all training for this position!

Requirements for horse handler include:

• 14 years or older
• Complete Helping Hands Training
• Complete Side Walker Training
• Complete at least 10 hours as a Side Walker
• Complete Horse Handler Training
• Able to walk for 30-60 minutes
• Attentive to surroundings

Click here for more information on volunteering.

To sign up for a volunteer training, please email [email protected].