The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program provides equine assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, veterans, and their families in an inclusive, community setting. Our program was originally chartered, in 1980, as Fairfax 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program, under the Virginia 4-H extension program.

By focusing on each rider's ability rather than disability, we have enjoyed a high rate of success in areas such as improved balance, coordination, muscular strength, social skills, and self confidence.

Our program is accredited and nationally recognized by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Lessons are taught by NARHA Certified Riding Instructors assisted by up to three volunteers per rider. This structure enables our riders to participate in a challenging, physically active sport. Through this unique riding opportunity, our students achieve enriched quality of life. We structure lessons to include riding skills, exercises, trail or field rides, games, and vaulting, as well as horse care and grooming.

We offer services to a wide range of students with special needs.

Including persons living with:
• Physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida
• Mental disabilities
• Learning disabilities
• Vision, speech, or hearing impairments
• Autism and other related disabilities, and Youth at risk

Individuals gain both physical and emotional rewards through challenging and stimulating activities. Riders improve balance, strength, coordination, confidence, concentration, and self-esteem. Our students also benefit from social interaction with other students, instructors, and volunteers. Decision-making, speech, and communication skills are developed throughout each lesson. All aspects of the program are designed to enhance our students' over-all being.

Horseback riding has been shown to be one of the most beneficial forms of recreation for people with all types of disabilities. Who can participate?

different types of disabilities. Children must be 4 years or older for therapeutic riding and 2 years or older for hippotherapy. We recommend that you apply early so that you reserve a slot on the waiting list.

How often does a student ride?

Most students ride in groups of 2-4 for 45 minutes, once a week. The 45 minute lesson includes mounting and dismounting, the riding session and sometimes grooming and tacking the horse. We conduct several riding sessions each year, beginning in March and ending in December.

What do students wear?

We require students to wear long pants, boots or shoes with a heel, and an ASTM-SEI approved safety helmet.

What are the benefits of therapeutic riding?

When riding a horse, our students are given the opportunity to feel freedom and power through movement.

As the horse walks, the movement is transferred to the rider, providing a combination of sensory, motor, and neurological stimulation.

This translates to stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, improved gait and, just as important, greater self-confidence and self-esteem.