Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapeutic/adaptive riding?
Therapeutic/adaptive riding is an equine-assisted activity that supports the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of participants. Riders can expect a safe, enjoyable environment where they can experience the benefits of horseback riding and horsemanship while working on individual physical, cognitive, mental, and emotional goals.
This type of riding offers meaningful benefits in health, education, sport, recreation, and leisure. Like any athletic activity, it promotes balance, muscle strength, and coordination. The accepting, intuitive nature of horses encourages riders to explore their abilities, build confidence, and make positive choices under the guidance of specially trained instructors and volunteers.
Therapeutic/adaptive riding may include mounted or unmounted activities. Lessons are led by certified instructors with the support of trained volunteers, and participants learn equestrian skills while also working on cognitive, emotional, social, or behavioral components. Riders develop fine and gross motor skills, balance, strength, coordination, proprioception, sensory awareness, and teamwork.
A doctor’s prescription is not required to participate in therapeutic/adaptive riding lessons.
What are the benefits of therapeutic riding?
Therapeutic riding offers a wide range of benefits for participants. Riders strengthen fine motor skills by adjusting their reins and improve gross motor skills through mounting and dismounting. As the horse moves forward and sways side to side, riders naturally engage core muscles that aren’t typically used while walking or sitting, which helps build core strength. Riding also enhances balance, coordination, social skills, and sensory integration.
Beyond the physical benefits, therapeutic riding can boost confidence as riders overcome fears, build friendships, and enjoy meaningful, rewarding experiences.
What are the eligibility requirements for riding at LTRC?
Due to the capacities of our staff, volunteer leaders and sidewalkers, program horses, insurance requirements, and industry standards, LTRC can accommodate participants who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Diagnosis:
LTRC is open to the public, and a diagnosis is not required for participation.
Medical Clearance:
Participants with a diagnosis must obtain medical clearance from their physician stating there are no contraindications to riding. All registration paperwork, including physician-signed medical forms, must be complete and on file before participation. A prescription is not required.
Age Policy:
Lessons at LTRC are available to riders starting at age 4. There is no maximum age.
Weight Policy:
To ensure the safety of both riders and horses during mounting, dismounting, and emergency situations, LTRC maintains a strict weight limit of 200 pounds (subject to change). Not all horses can carry this weight.
- Accommodation for riders near the top of the weight limit is at the discretion of LTRC staff and depends on the availability of a suitable horse, staff, and volunteers.
- Riders near the weight limit must be able to assist with their own emergency dismount and cannot rely entirely on others to get off the horse.
- For participants over the weight limit, groundwork-only (non-riding) opportunities are available.
Registration Paperwork:
All current, complete, and accurate paperwork — including medical history and physician’s release — must be submitted at least two weeks before the first lesson. Any changes in health status must be reported to LTRC. Paperwork must be updated annually.
Precautions, Contraindications & Considerations
LTRC reserves the right to refuse participation at any time if a rider cannot be safely accommodated. Considerations include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in a participant’s weight or health that staff, volunteers, or therapy horses cannot safely manage on the ground, in the saddle, or during an emergency dismount.
- Medical, physical, cognitive, or emotional conditions that become contraindications to therapeutic riding or pose risks to participants, horses, volunteers, or staff.
- The instructor’s ability and experience to safely meet the needs of the participant.
- Availability of a suitable horse, proper equipment, and the required number of volunteers.
Participant Dismissal Policy
LTRC staff may dismiss a participant if eligibility guidelines, policies, or safety standards are no longer met. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
- Behaviors that endanger other participants, staff, volunteers, horses, or themselves.
- Repeated failure to follow program guidelines or policies.
- Weight gain exceeding the capacity of the horses available at that time.
- Repeated absences without notification.
- Failure to follow LTRC’s payment policies.
- Reaching a riding proficiency where the participant would benefit more from a traditional riding program.
- A change in medical condition that makes participation unsafe or no longer beneficial.
What safety precautions are practiced at LTRC?
Safety is our top priority! LTRC follows strict safety standards to ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
All LTRC instructors are trained therapeutic riding instructors and are trained in CPR and AED use. Volunteers must complete mandatory orientation and training, be at least 14 years old, and pass a background check with verified references.
Riders are provided with the appropriate volunteer support based on their individual needs. Some may only require a leader, while others may need a leader and up to two sidewalkers. Volunteer support may change as riders progress through the program.
All riders must wear an approved horseback riding helmet and closed-toe shoes.
All riders are required to wear an ASTM-SEI approved equestrian riding helmet while riding, grooming, or working with horses. Bike, skateboard, ski, or other non-equestrian helmets are not permitted. LTRC provides helmets that are sanitized between uses.
If you prefer to purchase your own helmet, search online for “equestrian riding helmet” and look for one with an adjustable dial in the back. Brands such as Troxel, One K, and Ovation offer affordable, high-quality options available online or at most equestrian supply stores. If you have any questions about selecting a helmet, please ask.
Adaptive equipment is used as needed.
First aid kits and fire extinguishers are placed throughout the facility, and an AED unit is located in the main office. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property.
What should I know about the horses at LTRC?
Our “good citizen” horses are carefully selected for soundness, temperament, willingness, and a patient attitude. They are trained to accommodate youth and adults of all abilities, both for riding and ground work. LTRC horses are specially trained therapy horses, chosen for their calm, accepting demeanor. They are comfortable with a variety of situations, including riders who may be unbalanced, vocal, or use a wheelchair or walker.
No experience with horses? That’s perfectly fine! Most of our participants have little or no prior horse experience. Lothlorien provides a safe, positive environment to try something new and rewarding.
Feeling nervous or afraid? It’s completely normal. We encourage you to schedule a meet-and-greet before your session to meet the horses, take a tour, ask questions, and get comfortable. Participation is never forced. Our horses and staff will help you build confidence at your own pace.
How is a horse chosen for a rider? Horses are selected based on the participant’s size, therapeutic needs, and horse availability. Whenever possible, horses and participants are matched by personality and ability and kept together as a team throughout their session, though this cannot always be guaranteed.
How do I register for lessons?
When registration opens, the complete packet, including physician release, must be submitted. The packet is updated annually. Please select three different lesson choices to help us schedule effectively. You may email your completed packet to program.ltrc@gmail.com, mail it, or drop it off at the office. A physician release can be submitted afterward, as long as it is received before your first lesson.
We group participants based on multiple factors, such as age, diagnosis, goals, and individual needs, to ensure each rider has the best chance for success and progress. While we try to accommodate your preferences, your first-choice lesson may not always be available.
What safety & adaptive equipment is used?
All saddles are fitted with safety stirrups that have quick-release bands. Depending on each rider’s needs, we use adaptive equipment such as gait belts, vests, specialty reins, and supportive saddle pads. Riders may use traditional English or Western saddles, vaulting surcingles, or modified saddles designed for added stability.
All riders mount with assistance from instructors and trained volunteers using a mounting ramp, mounting block, or our electronic lift, never from the ground. These methods allow both ambulatory and non-ambulatory riders to safely reach the correct height for mounting. Riders are also assisted individually during dismounting to ensure safety.