Therapeutic Horsemanship

Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs are designed specifically for people with special needs, ages four years and up, who may require additional supports to participate safely and effectively in activities. Misty Meadows is a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International). To attain this status, Misty Meadows programs and our PATH International certified instructors comply with over 100 quality and safety standards, representing best practices. Misty Meadows’ certified instructors apply the PATH standards to all programs, including the therapeutic horsemanship program.

Therapeutic horsemanship classes encompass many activities that partner the horse with students. Based on input from therapists, teachers, doctors, and parents, the client's individual goals are designed to complement other therapeutic modalities and Individualized Education Plans. 

Young rider wearing glasses and helmet holding reins with her challenged hand while riding.
Two young girls pulling a wheelbarrow full of feeding buckets together through a doorway.
Elderly woman in wheelchair sitting outside horse's stall while horse reaches over dutch door to sniff her hand.
“Our experience at Misty Meadows has been nothing but positive. Our daughter Ally has been taking therapeutic riding lessons since the program moved to Misty Meadows. We have met wonderful instructors and volunteers there. Ally also volunteers on Friday mornings. She has been able to ride different horses and have different instructors. She has really gained confidence and feels very much a part of the “family” there. We are thankful to have found this wonderful place on the island.”
— Christine (Mother of Participant)
Group of students in field with black and white paint horse practicing the "horsey hello" which is greeting horse at the muzzle with gently closed fist, palm down.

Benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship…

are unique to the individual and may include:

1. Physical - The motion of the horse stimulates the rider much like the motion of walking. Riding also relaxes and strengthens muscles while improving muscle tone, posture, balance, joint mobility, and coordination.

2. Emotional - Interactions with horses provide a noncompetitive setting for learning new abilities, self-discipline, and improved concentration which all help in building self-confidence.

3. Social - Horsemanship nurtures a positive self-image. Riders and handlers experience independence plus a sense of being part of a team.

4. Cognitive - Horsemanship exercises develop many cognitive skills such as: following multistep directions, increasing attention and focus, and achieving academic goals in a uniquely motivating environment.

Therapeutic Horsemanship doesn't always involve riding. Everyone can benefit from being around our horses! They are fun, curious and loving animals. Come by the center to meet our herd. Experience for yourself how horses can change lives!

African American girl with a huge smile riding a chestnut horse in the indoor arena.

Individuals with the following disabilities…

can participate and benefit from Therapeutic Programs and equine-related activities:

testimonial

“What I saw and felt at our Veterans sessions at Misty Meadows was a healthy, holistic focus on just the horses and their well-being and the clients real-time building of a rapport between them. It was like all tension, stress, and defensiveness was left behind when entering the barn door at the start of the session.  As trust was building between a particular horse and a veteran NONE of the problems of the outside world were in thought or conversation. Only the calming essence of the new relationship at hand. I talked to a couple of folks after classes and they said they felt a lot less anxiety leaving and better about themselves then when the day started.””
— John Thibodeau, volunteer