Therapeutic Riding is used to enhance physical, psychological, emotional, and social development for its participants. Physically, riding improves mobility, flexibility, strength, balance, stamina, and coordination. It stimulates the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system. Riding is helpful to people with learning disabilities and a wide range of mental illnesses. Psychologically, the benefits from therapeutic riding include increased self-esteem and self confidence. Besides these benefits, riding is simply enjoyable for the riders, while offering a very positive experience for their family members, caregivers and volunteers who witness and share their rider’s achievements. Riding is fun!

Consider the observations of Pennsylvania physician Dr. Louis Wagner:

"A horse’s walking action mimics your body action. So when you put somebody on a horse, the horse moves and the rider’s muscles move in synchronization with it. Unlike exercise machines, a horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."

This is why many physical therapists join their patients for therapeutic riding: they can do things (at the riding center) which can't be accomplished in the therapy room.

The riders benefit physically and emotionally, gain strength and flexibility, learn consequences, and feel a sense of accomplishment during the riding sessions. These benefits carry over into their daily lives.

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Develop recreational, educational, and therapeutic goals Enhance social skills and trust levels through special effects of the human/animal bond Improve sensory integration skills Lengthen attention span and concentration Improve posture, balance, coordination, flexibility, and normalize muscle tone Increase self-confidence and self-discipline Promote responsibility and cooperation Build self-esteem through challenge in a success-oriented experience

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• Jeannette, from Lynden, first year rider: Not only was I given the "National Horse of the Year" to ride, but I experienced an understanding that at 77 years it was "never too late" to do something I’d not had the opportunity to do before. I’ve never felt as healthy as when on a horse, during my lessons, with the volunteers walking beside us to ensure our safety. God bless you all for introducing me to an experience I shall never forget that has so enriched my life. My thanks to Julia for welcoming me and to those volunteers who make it a joy to learn to ride.
• Laura Rawlins, from Bellingham, longtime rider: The press of the world lifts off my shoulders. The stress of my crazy life just melts away. I can be my own person and have no worries. My horse is Dutch Treat who brings forth feelings of serenity, peacefulness and warmth to my soul.
• Milo Mayeda (23), a victim of multiple sclerosis: "All of a sudden I was looking down on all of these people, instead of sitting in my wheelchair. Horseback riding was a freedom . . . and it was incredible how the horse returned me to my sense of body space."
• Jennifer (adult rider): "You and your team did great. After the horseback ride, my walking and anxiety got better for some reason. I wish I could ride everyday. I was not sore. It’s been the best week I had."
• Cynthia Good (30), paralyzed at age 19: "The most destructive attitude is that which considers a person [with] a disability as ignorant, incapable and no longer allowed to take risks. Therapeutic riders are glorious risk-takers and persons of accomplishments."

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NWTRC Lessons and Fee Schedule - 2010

April 16 - Spring Session begins

June 5 - NWTRC Hoofbeats Are Heartbeats Horse Show

July 8 - Summer Session begins

Fall Session - TBA

Registration fee: $40.00 per year, due upon acceptance to program

Session fee due the first week of each session

Download the Fee Schedule and Cancellation Policy [pdf]

Lesson Information:

• Session fee due the first week of each session.
• Make-up lessons will be offered during the final week of the session or can be used at a mutually agreeable time during the session.
• Cancellation policy is strictly adhered to.
• Riders must have submitted a completed registration packet.
• Riders with Down Syndrome must have AtlantoDens Interval X-rays.
• Everyone must sign a liability release to be on the premises.
• Riders must have appropriate footwear, clothes and a well fitting approved riding helmet. (Helmet must be ASTM/SEI approved and in good condition. Lightweight helmets may be used according to the guidelines in the NARHA Standards and Accreditation Manual.)

For more information on lessons contact the NWTRC

Horsemanship and Yoga - An Inclusive Course

Achieve greater relaxation, learn proper breathing techniques, and balance your physical and emotional health while learning to ride. Possibly will exchange lessons for stall cleaning and barn help. Now accepting a limited number of students.

For more information on lessons contact the NWTRC

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1884 Kelly Road • Bellingham, WA 98226 • 360-966-2124