Frequently Asked Questions

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 trained 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.

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.

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 must obtain medical clearance from their physician stating there are no contraindications to riding, the physician release form is located at the back of the registration packet. 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.

For participants over the weight limit, groundwork-only (non-riding) opportunities are available.

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.

Explore Programs: Visit our website to review current session dates, program details, participant handbook and registration information. You can find the registration packet and participant handbook on our website under the “Lesson Information” tab.

Check Funding: If using third-party funding, confirm availability with your care team. Lothlorien is not responsible for contacting care teams but can supply documentation of lessons as requested.

Complete Registration: Download the current Registration Packet from our website. Submit completed forms by email to shelby.dytschkowskyj@sasinc.org or mail to 15 Reiter Rd East Aurora, NY 14052.

Physician Release: Have the rider’s physician complete the required release form.

Review & Placement: Submission of a registration packet does not guarantee placement. Staff will review to determine if we can safely accommodate the rider. Off-horse lessons are available when appropriate.

Confirmation & Orientation: Lesson schedules are confirmed once multiple registrations are processed (typically 2–4 weeks before the session). New participants will be required to attend a short orientation the week before classes begin.

Payment: Wait for confirmation and an invoice from sasi’s Business Office before submitting payment. Checks should be mailed to 960 West Maple Ct Elma, NY 14059. Cash can be dropped off at Lothlorien. Please call the Business Office with credit card payments.

Please note that submitting a registration packet does not guarantee services, as all riders are screened to determine if their needs can be safely accommodated based on factors such as horse availability and PATH Int’l guidelines; off-horse lessons may be offered when appropriate.

In 2025, LTRC became an affiliate of SASI, a not-for-profit provider of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities based in nearby Elma. SASI also operates High Hurdles, an adaptive riding center in Sardinia. While sharing administrative resources with SASI, LTRC remains a separate not-for-profit corporation with its own volunteer board of directors. 

Our 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.

Participants should plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes before their scheduled lesson time to allow for preparation. Lessons typically include time for grooming, mounting, riding activities, and dismounting, with the total session structured to meet the needs of the rider. During the lesson, participants may work on riding skills, balance, coordination, communication, and other therapeutic goals through a variety of mounted exercises and activities. Depending on the participant, lessons may also include grooming or interacting with the horse to build comfort and connection. Throughout the entire session, instructors and trained volunteers provide guidance and support to ensure a safe, positive, and individualized experience.

Lessons WILL BE occurring unless you are contacted directly by staff.

Lessons may be cancelled or adjusted at the discretion of High Hurdles/Lothlorien instructors. When possible, unmounted lessons such as grooming, groundwork, horsemanship, or classroom activities may be offered instead. If an unmounted lesson is not appropriate, or if a participant has already had two unmounted lessons in a session, a weather-related make-up lesson may be scheduled at the instructor’s discretion in coordination with the rider or caregiver.

Lessons will be cancelled if travel advisories make it unsafe for participants to attend, or if East Aurora Schools are closed due to weather. Otherwise, cancellation decisions are based on conditions at the program location. Families and volunteers will be notified of cancellations at least two hours prior to the start of the lesson.

Unmounted lessons may be held in place of mounted riding during extreme temperatures (below 20°F or above 85°F, with consideration for wind chill and humidity) or during unsafe weather conditions such as thunder and lightning.

Lessons are structured such that there are several people (and horses) that are
involved in each lesson. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to
attend a lesson (24hrs is best) so that we can prepare the team as many of our
volunteers travel significant distances to help with lessons. If a rider misses 2 lessons
without contact, they will have no make up credit issued and may forfeit their spot
to allow another rider into the program. If a rider misses 3 lessons with contact, they
may also forfeit their spot for the session. If a rider is more than 15 minutes late to a
lesson, they will be unable to be on-horse during that lesson and will be counted as
present.

Lessons cancelled by Lothlorien due to weather, staffing, horse needs, or other program-related reasons will be rescheduled or issued a make-up credit. If a participant chooses to cancel due to weather while the program remains open, a make-up will not be provided.

Make-up lessons must be used within the same session and cannot be refunded or carried over if missed. In the case of a major medical emergency (such as hospitalization or surgery), a make-up will be offered; however, make-ups are not available for routine illnesses. Participants are encouraged to stay home when sick to protect others.

One pre-approved absence per session may be made up, provided notice is given before the session begins.

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.

Please do not submit payment with your registration. Lesson fees vary by location and will be provided in your session confirmation. Invoices are sent by the Sasi Business Office after lesson placement is confirmed, and payment is due by the end of the session. Failure to submit payment may affect eligibility for future registration.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Credit card (by phone through the Sasi Business Office)

• Check or money order (mailed to 960 West Maple Ct, Elma, NY 14059)

• Cash

LTRC reserves the right to refuse participation at any time if a rider cannot be safely accommodated. Considerations include, but are not limited to:

Availability of a suitable horse, proper equipment, and the required number of volunteers.

Changes in a participant’s weight or health that staff, volunteers, or 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.

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.

LTRC staff reserve the right to dismiss a participant if eligibility requirements, program policies, or safety standards are no longer met. This may include changes in medical condition, behaviors that pose a risk to themselves, others, or horses, repeated failure to follow guidelines, excessive unexcused absences, or failure to meet payment obligations. Participants may also be dismissed if they exceed horse weight limits or reach a skill level better suited for a traditional riding program.

Immediate dismissal may occur for serious violations such as unsafe or abusive behavior, harassment, or possession of weapons, alcohol, or illegal substances. Any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of participants, staff, volunteers, or horses, or prevents the program from maintaining a safe and supportive environment, may result in dismissal.