Austin, Texas is a large southern city in the US brimming with life. Austin is known for its vibrant music scene , wide variety of dining options, and thrilling nightlife. The perfect urban center for a state with a large rural area. However, because it is also so close to the country, it is also a great area for horseback riding and all things equestrian. Therapeutic riding is no exception, so here are some therapeutic riding centers that are located in and around the Austin area for horse lovers seeking for Therapeutic Riding in Austin.

1. HELP: Horse Empowered Learning Programs

HELP is a PATH certified therapeutic riding center located in Manor, Texas and their mission is to help individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges grow through equine assisted activities. They offer therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, and equine facilitated psychotherapy to children and adults with disabilities. All these services are provided using the facility’s 20 acre facility and 5 acre sensory trail. To find out more about the riding program, including program fees, call HELP at 512-413-4371 or email info@helpcenterofaustin.org

2. Healing With Horses Ranch

Healing with Horses Ranch is located in Manor, Texas and offers adaptive (therapeutic) riding, equine assisted learning, and equine facilitated psychotherapy to children and adults with disabilities, as well as a veteran’s program called Horses Helping Heroes. Their goal is to encourage independence and resilience through the horse and change lives. Healing with Horses currently has a waitlist, so all prospective participants must fill out an application for the program they wish to participate in. Adaptive Riding is taught by a PATH International Certified Instructor and may be held in private or semi-private format. To find out about the details, contact the ranch at 512-964-0360

3. Hearts Therapeutic Riding

Hearts Therapeutic Riding is a PATH Premier Accredited Center located in Leander, Texas and offers therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities and military veterans, as well as summer camp. The program emerged when the staff at Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas noticed that they could give their rehabbed horses new purpose in becoming lesson horses Lessons are taught by PATH International Certified Instructors and all new riders must undergo a physical evaluation before starting. To find out more, contact the center at 512-484-8480.

4. ROCK- Ride On Center For Kids

ROCK is located in Georgetown, Texas and provides equine assisted activities and therapies to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities as a PATH Premier Accredited Center. Services offered include equine assisted therapy, equine assisted activities, equine facilitated learning, a school program, and more. Their mission is to improve independence and life skills through the horse. To get more program information, contact ROCK at 512-930-7625

5. Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center

Open My World is located in Leander, Texas and offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities. To become a participant, riders must email client@openmyworld.org to schedule a visit to see the facility. After the initial visit, an evaluation lesson is conducted to assess individual needs and skill. Following evaluation, a therapy plan is established and the rider is scheduled. Lessons are either $180/ month for half hour or $260/month for full hour.

6. Reach Therapeutic Riding Center

Reach is PATH International Accredited therapeutic riding center located in Waco, Texas offering therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine facilitated learning, and a veteran’s program called Horses for Warriors. Therapeutic Riding sessions are 50 minutes long and require a $20 registration fee at the time of program registration as well as a $50 evaluation fee for new riders. To find out about the price of sessions and more, contact Reach at 254-848-7888

 

Why Should You Enroll In Or Get Involved With Therapeutic Riding?

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.