The NSCD offers a variety of equine options to accommodate different needs and abilities. These options range from horsemanship based non-riding lessons to independent trail rides. Our focus is to provide people with a warm, welcoming environment to learn about horses, develop horsemanship skills and become stronger riders. Horses in therapeutic environments have been shown to help riders develop fine and gross motor skills, confidence, social skills, trunk control and overall strength. Participants must be independent and manage self-care or bring a caregiver to provide assistance.

Questions about Adaptive Horseback Riding? Find answers here!

Adaptive Horseback Riding Lessons
Unmounted/Ground Therapy
Rodeo Ready
Adaptive Horseback Riding Camp

Adaptive Horseback Riding Lessons

These lessons are great for all riders. In the arena, we can focus on our riding skills and confidence on the horse. Depending on the rider’s ability and comfort, these lessons may require more assistance, such as side walkers, horse leaders, and additional adaptive equipment. If a rider is more independent, the focus may be more on turning, stopping, trotting and cantering. We have a variety of games to keep all riders engaged and help develop riding and coordination skills. There is also the option of adding a short (5-10 minute) trail ride to the end of arena lessons. Our short trails, including our RC sensory trail, are accessible to most riders.

 *Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

Unmounted/Ground Therapeutic Horse Lessons

Ground therapy with the NSCD can be a great alternative for riders who exceed our weight limit or are not able to safely ride a horse for other reasons. Some participants find therapeutic benefits in simply walking with the horse and grooming the horse. Others may enjoy more advanced horsemanship-based groundwork skills that take place in our round pen. These activities tend to instill confidence, bonding and leadership skills for participants.

Rodeo Ready

Rodeo Ready is back this year with several different times and dates to choose from! We’re offering early summer opportunities and fall sessions as well. This program is for experienced riders who are hoping to improve on their horsemanship skills and gain more independence. Once you register, our Program Supervisor will give you a call to ask about the rider’s experience level in order to pair the rider with the perfect horse for all 5 sessions.

*Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

Adaptive Horseback Riding Camp

Love horses? Join us for 3 days at the NSCD Adaptive Riding Center for a camp that includes learning to groom, tack and ride a horse. New skills learned in the arena will be enhanced while out on daily trail rides. Participants who are not independent in self-care must supply a personal care provider who is available to them throughout the length of the camp. Click here for additional camp details, schedules, and necessary items.

* Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs. Horse camps are popular, register early. These are not overnight camps.
* If the minimum number of campers is not met 7 days prior to a camp, the camp will be canceled.