HTRS is a non profit charitable organization promoting inclusion of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults who require extra supports. Our goal is to provide people with diverse abilities to participate actively in horse back riding lessons within their communities with the aim to engage siblings, families and peers, making connection between people and horses to enjoy the experience and benefits of horseback riding.

Inclusion is an approach to delivering services in which all people are welcomed, supported and valued. Services are provided that will meet the needs of the person requiring extra supports using a total communication approach to support the family/child's or persons goals that are established by parents and professionals working collaboratively together. HTRS is a family centered program, based in the community of Hope, BC and encourages the families to participate and gain connnections. HTRS clients take riding lessons with one or two other people from their community. Therapy riding instruction activities will benefit all riders using horse related activites that can improve, sensory integration, learning & concentration, balance & posture, eye hand coordination & joint mobility, strengthen weak muscles and relax tense ones. Self esteem, confidence and socialization go hand in hand as each person connect to people around them and with thier horse.

HTRS receives no ongoing government or agency funding and so relies on the support of individuals, groups, foundations and corporations. Any donation in any amount is welcome.Click here to make a contribution or to become a sponsor.

Horses are inspirational creatures that catch our attention and tickle our imagination. They allow us to mold them to our needs but yet are governed by innate flight patterns to teach us to communicate nonverbally. They challenge us in many ways - not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

The adage "time spent in the saddle is never wasted" sums up the uniqueness of the horse as a mobile therapeutic tool. Horses provide a unique neuromuscular stimulation through their movement. A horse's movement can be short, medium, or long, and can be measured by how smooth or choppy it feels to a rider. Of central importance is that the three-dimensional rhythmic movement of the horse simulates a human walk; that is, a horse's stride moves the rider's pelvis with the same rotation and side-to-side movement that occurs while walking. The horse's rhythmic, dynamic gait induces a continuous need for the rider to adjust to the movement of the horse. It's this natural physiological response elicited in the rider that is used to promote strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and confidence. (Borzo, 2002).

The amount of benefit an individual with a disability gains form horseback riding depends on many factors, such as the type and severity of the disability, motivation of the rider, and match between horse and rider. In order to best benefit a rider, the riding instructor must be able to choose a horse that will fit the individual's needs. For example, a person with weakened trunk control my need a smooth, slow horse until the person has gained the strength to be challenged more. In contrast, a rider with muscle degeneration or atrophy may need a horse that provides more movement in order to stimulate the muscles. Unlike exercise machines, which tend to work only one muscle group at a time and do not require natural body movements, riding requires a person to use their entire body-trunk, arms, shoulders, head and legs-to steer and control the speed of the horse as well as maintain balance. Learning the cognitive and physical skills to achieve full communication with the horse awakens awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses.

For a person with a disability, the perception of movement and freedom on a horse can be a catalyst for therapeutic improvement. While traditional therapies often reach a plateau where a patient may lose motivation to keep trying, the excitement of riding stimulates the rider and encourages many patients to work through discomfort and increasing challenges in seeking to improve thier abilities and skills. Horseback riding provides persons with disabilities an opportunity to participate and succeed at something many able bodied people are hesitant or afraid to try. The horse's rhythmic gaits, its ability to sense and respond to the patient, and the interactive relationship formed between horse and rider all contribute to a variety of significant therapeutic gains. (Benda et al., 2000).

Horses can also be used in a similar manner as other animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, donkeys, birds, and potbelly pigs who participate in treatment programs in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. A patient does not need to ride a horse to achieve therapeutic progress. For example, grooming a horse can help to increase a person's joint rang of motion, and touching and petting a horse has a calming effect and fosters relaxation.

Physical: Improved balance and muscle strength Improved coordination and faster reflexes Increased muscular control Improved postural control Decreased spasticity Increased range of motion of joints Stretching of tight or spastic muscles Increased endurance and low-level cardiovascular conditioning Stimulates sensory integration Improved visual-spatial perception Improved gross and fine motor skills Increased concentration

Psychosocial: Improved self-confidence Increased self-esteem and self-image Development of patience Emotional control and self-discipline Expansion of locus of control Improved risk-taking abilities Sense of normality Socialization and improved interpersonal skills Increased perception of quality of life and life satisfaction Stress reduction Success with tasks presented

Educational: Promotion of sequencing and patterning Improved eye-hand coordination Increased visual spatial perception Differentiation between objects Patten recall Self motivation and reward Learning horseback riding knowledge and skills (e.g., horse-handling skills, animal science knowledge) Learning safe behaviors for riding

Social: Increased activity experiences Interaction with family, friends, and riders Development of respect for animals Encourages acceptable behavior patterns