I’m back again to continue our series on therapeutic riding centers across the United States. I hope you are enjoying this series and finding it helpful. This week’s article will focus on therapeutic horseback riding in Los Angeles, California. Some of the best therapeutic riding centers in the area are:

- Dream Catcher of Los Angeles
- Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship
- Shadow Hills Riding Club
- The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding
- Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach

1. Dream Catcher of Los Angeles

Dream Catcher is a PATH International Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center in Long Beach California offering therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, veteran’s programs, hippotherapy, and able bodied riding lessons. Their mission is to improve the overall well being of children and adults with special needs through equine assisted therapy and activities. The prices for sessions are not on the website, so interested parties need to call Dream Catcher directly for pricing information.

2. Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship

Ride On is a Premier Accredited Path International Therapeutic Riding Center and a Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence operating in two locations: Newbury Park, California and Chatsworth, California. They offer therapeutic riding, physical and occupational hippotherapy, equine assisted psychotherapy and veterans services, and able-bodied riding lessons. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of the disabled through equine therapy, recreation, and fun. Therapeutic riding lessons are offered in 8 week long sessions at $53 per 30 minute private or hour long group lesson. Lessons include learning safety on and around horses, and equitation skills such as riding obstacle courses.

3. Shadow Hills Riding Club

Shadow Hills is a PATH International Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center located in Shadow Hills, California offering therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities and, therapies for veterans. Their mission is to use horses for healing, learning, and growth through equine assisted therapy. Before beginning therapeutic riding at Shadow Hills, potential riders must undergo a $100 assessment of their physical and riding ability with the program director. Therapeutic riding is individualized to each client or group of rider’s needs, as riders are placed in groups according to ability. The sessions for therapeutic riding are 8 weeks long each and are typically hosted on Saturday morning. The price for each 8 week session has to be paid in full at the start of the first session. The price for the entire session is $520, providing 1 lesson per week for 8 weeks. Private lessons are also available at $100 each.

4. The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding

The Shea Center is a PATH International accredited therapeutic riding center located in San Juan Capistrano, California. Their mission is to better the lives of the disabled community through therapeutic horsemanship. They offer hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and offer clinic-based therapy and education in the Klein Family Building. Additional offerings include therapeutic riding for military service members and their families, and a summer camp. Group therapeutic riding lessons are $45 per lesson, semi private $65 per lesson, and private $75 per lesson.

5. Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach

Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach is a PATH International certified therapeutic riding center in Huntington Beach, California with the mission of helping riders develop a spirit that overcomes their disability. They offer therapeutic, riding, veteran’s programs, and classes for at risk youth. To participate in therapeutic riding, all prospective riders must complete an application and submit a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Lesson cost are $450 for a 10-week session of group lessons, or $650 for a 10 week session of private lessons.

 

As a therapeutic rider for four years now, I can tell you that therapeutic riding changes lives. I have improved physically, emotionally, and socially as a result of being a participant. I went from being so afraid to speak to people to letting everyone now that I ride. Horses are my greatest joy and my freedom. I want others to be able to experience all that I have because of horses and discover what they are capable of. I hope you liked what I have gathered about therapeutic horseback riding in Los Angeles and you may want to read my previous posts about Therapeutic Horseback Riding Centers in San Francisco & Therapeutic Horseback Riding Centers in New York City