The state of Illinois is the birthplace of the Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It is also home to Amish Country, and they are well known or their chosen mode of travel: the horse-drawn buggy. This accompanied with the fact that the state is covered with miles upon miles of rolling green hills, makes it a perfect place for equestrian activities of all kinds. And therapeutic riding is no exception for sure! Here are the best stables and tips about therapeutic horseback riding in Illinois.

Best Stables in Illinois Offering Therapeutic Horseback Riding Services

1. White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center

White Oaks is a located is Morrison, Illinois and believes in serving the needs of others through equine-assisted therapies and activities. They offer therapeutic riding and equine activities such as grooming and horsemanship from the ground.

All lessons are instructed by a PATH certified instructor and run from April to October of each year. Prospective students who want to sign up for lessons must reach out to the program director at rideatwhoa@yahoo.com to receive registration materials and find out necessary information like lesson costs and length.

2. Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center

Chakota is located in Germantown, Illinois that aims to increase the dignity, self-esteem, and overall well-being of people with disabilities through therapeutic riding. To find out more about the program, reach out to Chakota at 618-244-2362.

3. Finding HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center

Finding HOPE is located in Rochester, Illinois and offers equine assisted learning, equine assisted psychotherapy, equine assisted wellness, and therapeutic riding programs to children and adults with disabilities. Open enrollment for lessons is available throughout the year, and the only time sessions are not available to from December-January.

The enrollment process consists of different steps. Filling out the application, attending orientation, a rider evaluation, placement in a class, enrollment, and attendance at a weekly class during the four sessions given throughout the year.

The prices for therapeutic riding vary based on the number of students enrolled. To find out mor e about the programs, reach out to Finding Hope at 217- 816-8802 or kwatkins@findinghope.com

4. Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center

Sojourn is located in Frankfort, Illinois and provides therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. To be considered, interested parties must send an enrollment request, and Sojourn will send the application packet and client handbook.

Once the client is in the program, and evaluation is conducted for placement, and the evaluation results along with the goals each rider wishes to achieve are used to create an individualized plan.

Lessons are 30 minutes long and include mounting, riding, dismounting, and possibly grooming and leading. The cost for the program include a one time $70 assessment fee for new riders, and either $420 for six private lessons or $210 for six group lessons.

5. Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Facility

Ready Set Ride is located in Plainfield, Illinois and offers therapeutic riding lessons to children with disabilities. Lessons are offered in 7 week long sessions with one lesson a week priced at $520 a session. Interested parties must email admin@readysetride.org to get more information about the program and let the facility know they are interested. Then, they can download and fill out the application.

Why Should You Enroll in or Get Involved With Therapeutic Riding?

As a therapeutic rider, I can tell you that therapeutic riding has completely changed my life! I have improved physically, emotionally, and socially as a result of therapeutic horseback riding. Horses are my greatest joy and my freedom now, just like the wings I lack. Being a therapeutic rider has given me the courage to follow my dream of one day riding in the Paralympics. I want other people to witness all that I have because of horses and discover what they can achieve of.