Therapeutic horseback riding is a unique discipline that brings together people with disabilities, horses, riding instructors, teachers, therapists, physicians, and volunteers � all with one goal � to enhance the quality of life of the participants. The particular goals and the approaches used to achieve these goals will differ according to the clients specific disability, injury, or illness. Physical, mental, social, educational, and behavioral objectives may be incorporated into lesson plans.

Horse Shows

Hoofbeats believes that competitions can be very positive experiences for its clients, volunteers, and the families who come to watch the riders. Competitions allow lessons to be more goal-oriented and focused, and the riders receive positive reinforcement for all their hard work. The riders can interact with others and form bonds with people who share common interests, and the shows give the riders a chance to �shine� in front of family and friends.

Education

Over the years Hoofbeats has engaged in a number of educational programs, including an elementary school program for special education students; mounted drill teams to perform or compete at various events; outreach programs and publications to promote the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding; Girl Scout horsemanship merit badge training; and an internship program for aspiring therapeutic riding instructors.

Hoofbeats Facilities

Hoofbeats is located on the grounds of the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. Facilities include a 10-stall barn, and a large outdoor dressage arena, with a handicapped-friendly mounting ramp, and bleacher seating for spectators. The Horse Center�s riding trails, and Hoofbeats new Sensory Trail, are within easy reach, affording students the added opportunity to experience riding outside the ring. Three paddocks with run-in sheds provide turn-out for the horses. The barn�s climate-controlled wing houses the Hoofbeats office, kitchen, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a reception area, and a classroom/meeting room (which can be made available for use by outside groups.)

Cost

The fee for each 8-week riding session is $200.

Hoofbeats can not guarantee the availability of scholarship assistance, but does periodically receive donations for scholarship use. The office maintains a scholarship waiting list, and recipients will be notified as soon as there are scholarship funds to award.

Hoofbeats is truly dedicated to its students, and will make every attempt to find a way for you and/or your children to participate in our program. Let us know how we can work with you.