Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship Information

Ride On teaches adaptive horseback riding to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and we provide physical, occupational and speech therapy specializing in using the movement of the horse to improve specific medical conditions. Founded in 1994, Ride On has given over 102,000 safe, effective and individualized lessons and therapy treatments and currently serves 200 individuals each week. We operate in two locations: serving the Conejo Valley, our 13-acre Newbury Park site is operated in partnership with the Conejo Recreation and Park District; in the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth is home to our 3-acre ranch which we own. Adaptive Riding emphasizes recreation, riding skills and fun on horseback. We teach individuals with a wide range of disabilities beginning around age six. Our oldest rider is over 90. We also offer riding lessons for siblings and the general public as space is available. Our therapy program specializes in hippotherapy. It always involves a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist and it emphasizes the beneficial effect of a horse’s movement on our patients. There is a body of peer-reviewed scientific research examining the benefits of equine movement on patients as young as two years of age. Ride On recently partnered with Central Michigan University on one such study involving children with cerebral palsy. Ride On is the only nationally accredited program offering hippotherapy in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Ride On’s experienced and talented staff includes nine certified riding instructors and nine licensed therapists. We are proud to have 4 faculty on staff who train and certify new and experienced instructors and therapists for national associations. Our team is assisted by over a hundred volunteers each week using a wonderful team of thirty horses carefully trained and well-suited to the unique demands of our work.