Person smiling on horseback, wearing a helmet and red shirt, inside a barn or riding arena.

Therapeutic Riding

Bits & Pieces Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding is a weekly mounted riding program tailored for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Each lesson is designed and led by our PATH-certified instructors to improve participants’ balance, mobility, coordination, and cognitive function. Other benefits include increased self-confidence and self-esteem, improved social skills and focus, and reduced feelings of depression and anxiety. Read more.

We are committed to offering a well-rounded equine experience that includes both riding and horsemanship. Groundwork activities—such as grooming, leading, and horse care—create meaningful opportunities to practice skills like patience, communication, respect, and empathy. Because horses are highly sensitive to human behavior and emotions, they encourage mindfulness and self-awareness, helping students build deeper connections with themselves and others.

Who can ride?

Bits & Pieces provides equine activities for a wide range of people living with challenges and disabilities, including classes tailored specifically for veterans and first responders.

Common diagnoses include (but are not limited to):

  • Autism

  • Down syndrome

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Anxiety/Depression

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Sensory disorder

  • ADD/ADHD

Prospective Rider Form

Please contact us to complete a prospective form to indicate your interest in Bits & Pieces therapeutic riding program and schedule a mandatory in-person evaluation meeting with our Program Director. While enrollment is open year-round, spots in the program are based on availability. Early registration is encouraged, as we do have a waitlist for certain programs.

6-Week
Sessions

Year-round
open
enrollment

Physician Evaluation

Therapeutic riding participants must have their primary care physician complete and sign a medical release before participating in Bits & Pieces riding programs. Please contact us to set up a mandatory in-person evaluation meeting with our Program Director, in which we’ll go over the forms and paperwork required to ride.

Pricing

  • 30-minute private evaluation/lesson: $85

  • 6-pack private session package: $510

  • 6-pack semi-private session (2 or more riders): $360

  • 12-pack private lesson package: $867

  • 12-pack semi-private lesson package: $612



Purchase Lessons

Session Policies

Lessons are offered year-round in 6-week session blocks to ensure steady progress for participants. Classes are designed to build on the skills and concepts learned in the previous week to encourage growth and mastery. Because of this cumulative structure, consistent attendance is essential to receive the full benefit of the program, as well as maintain continuity with your horse.

Please provide a 24-hour notice if you’re unable to attend a lesson, so that we can adjust the lesson plans that affect our horses, instructors, and volunteers. Bits & Pieces reserves the right to deduct classes from your lesson package in the event of “no shows” or a less than 24-hour cancellation notice.

There are no makeup sessions or refunds for missed lessons. If Bits & Pieces must cancel a lesson, refunds or make-up lessons will be provided at our discretion. This policy helps us maintain the quality, rhythm, and integrity of our program while providing the best possible experience for every participant.

Session Lengths

Students must complete at least one introductory/evaluation lesson, after which they may receive approval to enroll in either private or semi-private (2 or more riders) sessions, depending on their goals. Open enrollment is available year-round, based on availability. Lessons are 30 minutes, and may run in six-week session blocks.

Evaluation policies

We aim to serve everyone, but some individuals may be unable to participate in mounted activities due to weight limits, behavioral concerns, or medical conditions that make mounted participation unsafe. Prospective participants must consult with their physician before participating in Bits & Pieces programs. A PATH-certified program director will conduct an intake meeting with all prospective students and/or their parents/guardians to ensure the Bits & Pieces therapeutic riding program is a good fit.

A young boy wearing a black riding helmet and a black Adidas hoodie standing inside an indoor horse riding arena, holding a beige and white rope attached to a light brown pinto pony with a red halter and a blond mane.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Riders should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots with heels. (No sandals or Crocs. Sneakers are ok.)

    Bits & Pieces provides riding helmets, which are mandatory for every lesson. Riders may purchase their own helmet and bring it with them each week for lessons. All helmets must meet ASTM/SEI safety standards. (No bike helmets or other non-equestrian head protection.)

    We are happy to answer questions about purchasing a helmet. Watch here to learn about proper helmet fit.

    Helmets are mandatory. If your rider has sensory challenges, we can work with them on techniques for tolerating the helmet.

    Riders should not wear jewelry or hair accessories that could catch on the horse’s mane, tail, or equipment. Long hair should be tied back and kept off the face.

    Please note the indoor arena is not heated or air-conditioned. Dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Therapeutic riding coverage varies by insurance provider. It’s best to check with your health insurance provider to confirm what may or may not be covered under your plan.

    Some students may be able to use health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to cover costs. Again, please check with your provider for specifics.

    Bits & Pieces does not bill insurance plans directly, but depending on your coverage, you may be able to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

  • Therapeutic riding is typically available for children beginning at age 4.

  • We recognize that the benefits of horsemanship extend beyond those with specific diagnoses. Our programs serve a wide range of individuals including those recovering from trauma, managing stress, or dealing with anxiety or fear. The emotional and physical benefits are not limited to those with a formal diagnosis.

    For some activities, while a diagnosis is not needed, you still may be asked to fill out a medical form from a doctor confirming that you have no contraindications for horseback riding. An initial riding assessment helps to ensure the program is appropriate and safe for you.

  • Yes, we are happy to customize one-day team-building programs for companies and organizations, schools, agencies, and scout troops. Contact us for details.

  • Bits & Pieces lessons are taught by Path Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) along with an experienced group of trained volunteers. CTRIs in training may co-teach lessons under the supervision of a certified instructor.

    Read more about Path Intl. here.

Request Information

Thinking about enrolling? Curious which program might be the right fit? Or maybe you’d like to tour the stables or observe a class in person. Whatever you’re looking for, we’re here to help.