What Is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Horses and domesticated animals have been used as a medical treatment since the second century. Equine-assisted activities and therapies are designed for people with disabilities or diverse needs.
PATH® International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) defines therapeutic riding as, "an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport, and recreation and leisure".
​
Because of a horse's physiology, horses mimic the pelvic movement of humans. Because of their status as a prey animal, they can pick up on our 'emotions' with their highly developed ability to tune in to the world around them Currently, there are 26 medical uses for horses to help in the treatment of orthopedic, neurological, learning, speech, psychological, and even working with victims of physical and sexual abuse.
​
There are well-documented benefits for physical, cognitive, and emotional health using the types of equine-assisted programs we offer at Tri-State.
Group Programs
We collaborate with many organizations including schools, residential facilities, and support groups to develop an Equine-Assisted Learning program designed for their needs. In addition, we welcome medical college student groups wanting to learn more about equine-assisted therapies.
Please call or email for more information on how we can host your group or provide specific programming for your needs.
GROUPS, CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS
Horse Powered Reading
Horse Powered Reading is our newly launched program designed for early childhood development.This is a mounted program and sitting astride the horse provides sensory input that can be used to cultivate focus and retention. This program will address both social and emotional learning as well as incorporating age appropriate reading and mathematical skills. As with all of our programs, an individualized treatment plan will be created to best serve each individual who participates!
Please call for rates or to discuss the program in more detail. For more information, please call or email us.
GROUPS, CHILDREN
Horses for Heroes
This therapeutic program is designed to assist our Nation's heroes. Whether it be a disabled Veteran who needs assistance or a Veteran struggling with PTSD, we would be honored to work with you. Each Veteran's program session is tailored toward the individual's goals and needs. Generally, this will be a combination of mounted and unmounted equine therapy, or may include carriage driving.
Horses for Heroes is open only to current or retired members of the US Armed Forces. For more information, please call or email us.
VETERANS
Mindful Riding
This program aims to increase confidence, self-esteem, friendships, and responsibility. Horses are therapeutic for anyone, and there is no doubt horses contribute to character building.
​
Our compassionate and skilled trainers help riders set appropriate goals. By setting the rider up for success, our Mindful Riding program helps build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility. Riders become a part of our close-knit barn family, feel at home and have a sense of belonging when they are here. Horse Show opportunities are a chance to test one's confidence, work through anxieties, and feel like part of a team.
​
Best for children or adults who are working to manage feelings of introversion and anxiety or improve their self-esteem. Some of our participants include those who just need a little extra time or a different method of explanation to process information, or who struggle to make friends. They may not fit in easily with other recreational programs or sports.
GROUPS, CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS
Mini Manes & Tails
Our pair of miniature ponies are always game for a road trip to meet new friends! We bring them to facilities such as nursing homes or residential facilities for children and can develop a visit event for most groups.
​
Please call or email us to discuss details.
GROUPS
Reinbow Rehabilitation
This therapeutic program offers pediatric physical therapy services in conjunction with licensed therapists from The Speech & Hearing Center of Chattanooga. The Physical Therapist (PT) will concentrate on the child's movement goals and create specific exercise interventions to improve the way your child moves, in coordination with riding the horse to improve balance, core strength, and flexibility.
Reinbow Rehabilitation is best suited for children who need to acquire, rebuild and develop skills that lead to a life of greater independence and happiness. We work with children living with all types of special needs. Ages: 4 years+ through 18 years. This program only meets Mondays and Wednesdays. An evaluation must be done prior to acceptance into the program. Most major insurances are accepted.
CHILDREN, TEENS
Reinbow Riders
This is our general therapeutic riding program, and can help work on fine/gross motor skills, sensory processing, following directions, balance and much more. In this program, the focus is on providing positive cognitive, emotional, and recreational experiences to those with different abilities. We offer riding lessons adapted to the needs of the rider to help them reach riding and life goals.
​
This program is best suited for those who want to work on fine motor skills, balance, sensory processing, social skills, problem-solving, responsibility, following directions, and other goals. Ages: 4+
GROUPS, CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS
Silver Stirrups
Specifically designed for mature adults who are seeking opportunities to improve their physical, social and emotional health. We introduced the program in Spring of 2024, with great success! No prior riding experience is necessary, and all tack and rider safety gear is provided. Please send an email for dates, registration and payment information.
Best for adults who are retired or have a flexible daytime schedule. A medical diagnosis is not necessary, just a desire to learn and be part of a like-minded community of people! Call or email to register for our next group session.
ADULTS
Summer Camp
Our annual Summer Camp program is a day camp for school age children, with 3 different weekly options each summer. Our summer camps are filled with fun activities, horseback riding lessons, and a chance to make new friends!
Camps are open to children age 6 and up. Camps are for beginner to intermediate riders, and all participants will learn new horsemanship and riding skills. Camps days run 9am - 2pm. Please note, there is no childcare for before or after camp sessions.
Click here for more information on our Summer Camp and to register.
CHILDREN, TEENS
Taking The Lead
This is a program for at-risk youth and their families that provides the tools they need to achieve their goals. It is a non-riding group therapy program. Participants will literally take the lead and discover more about themselves and others as they work with a horse.
​
​We work to develop skills that include: decision-making and problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy, coping with emotions and stress. These are all necessary skills that people need in order to navigate life successfully.
​
Taking the Lead is generally organized through in/out-patient programs, schools, or referrals, and works in conjunction with clinical therapy. Please call for rates or to discuss the program in more detail.
CHILDREN, TEENS, GROUPS
Therapeutic Carriage Driving
This type of activity offers a different interaction with our equine friends. It helps individuals with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional conditions enjoy the rewards of interaction and control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat or in their own wheelchair. Our therapeutic carriage driving also provides students the opportunity to "find their voice" due to the verbal communication required. Carriage driving gives our participants a riding alternative, which opens up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, allergies, asthma, fear of heights, inability to sit astride a horse, or other issues. It can also provide the student with a unique movement experience.
​
This program is best suited for those who want to learn teamwork, improve speech and communication, and develop a greater understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. The physical benefits include increased core strength and posture, improved balance, and greater fine and gross motor skills development, among others.
CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS
STEPHANIE ROYER
​from Trousdale school
"Olivia and her Tri-State Therapeutic team have been such a gift to our students. No matter their riding ability, age, or learning style they have met each individual where they are at. Watching their self-confidence build as their riding skills have grown, and seeing the joy beam from their faces as
they take on each new challenge
has been inspiring. "
ADOPTED SISTERS
a journey to self awareness
"The girls worked through our Taking the Lead program learning skills such as trust, boundaries and honesty, communication, forgiveness, teamwork, sensitivity and consideration. During a session, one sister realized the horse felt unsafe and needed affirmation and patience from her so he could relax and trust her to overcome something scary and challenging. As we walked back to the barn she articulated how similar struggles affect her relationship with her sister and adopted mom and how she sees how her actions need to change."
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
a mom's story