Therapeutic riding involves teaching riding skills to riders with disabilities, with adaptations as needed. The primary goal of therapeutic riding is to learn riding and horsemanship skills. However, as the movement of the horse is inherently therapeutic, riders frequently enjoy secondary benefits such as increased postural control, balance, strength and speech. Participants must be independent and manage self-care or bring a care-giver to provide assistance.

Military members: First lesson is free, subsequent lessons are 50% off published pricing. This activity is for military members, active or Veteran, of any age who have a disability. Call (303) 515-NSCD (6723) to receive the discount code before booking online.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding Lessons
Unmounted/Ground Therapy
Trail Rides
Rodeo Ready
Therapeutic Horseback Riding Camp

Therapeutic Horseback Riding Lessons

The NSCD offers three different levels of lessons:

Beginner Lessons – The skills that will be learned during these lessons encompass the basic fundamentals of the sport including grooming and tacking, mounting, balance and body control, and stopping/steering at a walk or trot.

Intermediate Lessons –  Intermediate riding lessons offer participants a way to further advance their riding and prepare for more advanced skills, such as further development of your seat and hands, transitions within the gait and more complex steering patterns at a walk or trot.

Advanced Lessons – Unlike beginner or intermediate lessons, participants will focus intensely on how they affect the horse. For this reason, participants in advanced lessons must have balance, body control and a complete understanding of how the horse’s body works. The NSCD riding instructors must approve all advanced participants for lessons.

Reservations must be made at least 2 business days in advance of requested lesson/ride date.

 *Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

Unmounted/Ground Therapeutic Horse Lessons

Ground therapy is built around interactions with horses. This type of therapy can be used to assist people with mental and emotional difficulties, including anxiety and mood disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), behavioral challenges or undergoing life transitions or losses.

 *Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

Trail Rides

Enjoy the fun of horseback riding on our scenic trails. Our one-hour trail ride is an ideal way to view the beautiful Rocky Mountains while visiting Grand County, Colorado.

 *Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

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.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding Camp

Love horses? Join us at the NSCD Therapeutic 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.

Horse camps are popular, register early. These are not overnight camps.

*Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.

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