Mission

River Valley Riders' mission is to create a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits. Our equine-assisted services include therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy.

These activities benefit a wide range of participants including children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, paralysis and many other types of disabilities. The benefits of our program include improvement of balance, increase of core strength, development of self-confidence, and improvement of social skills.

What We Do

Research demonstrates that equine-assisted services can have many benefits.

PHYSICAL
Because a horse's gait is similar to the human walk, this three-dimensional movement is transferred from the horse to the rider and helps to strengthen spine and pelvic muscles and improve posture and balance. Additional exercises during lessons help to improve coordination and increase flexibility.

COGNITIVE
Lessons incorporate educational activities to improve hand-eye coordination and communication, as well as reading and math skills.

EMOTIONAL
Riders develop self-confidence and self-esteem by accomplishing challenges as independently as possible. The instructors and volunteers always interact with the riders with patience and kindness while our horses offer unconditional acceptance.