Mission Statement
Happy Trails Riding Academy (HTRA) is a premier accredited center which enriches the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities through equine facilitated therapy. Therapeutic horsemanship has been proven to provide a unique opportunity for self-improvement and independence in a positive learning environment, while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy.
The Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers at HTRA are committed to providing the finest therapeutic riding program in the country. We desire to develop and maintain a reputation throughout the nation, of being a model, premiere accredited PATH International organization for other centers to emulate.
Description
Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) use the horse's dynamic movement to improve trunk mobility and strength which in turn, affects limb function. The horse provides a consistent and rhythmic movement pattern that facilitates the treatment goals, which are crucial to the client’s success. In Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) classes, the therapist (occupational or physical) the volunteers, the horse and the rider all form the therapy team. Each member of the team plays a unique role to ensure the rider receives the best and most effective treatment.
Each of our programs is taught by a PATH certified instructor. A potential rider is evaluated and placed in one of our programs based on the individual needs of the rider.
The programs at Happy Trails Riding Academy focus on the areas of advancing education, benefiting the community and involving volunteers. The program enjoys tremendous volunteer support amounting to over 7,500 hours in the past year from 75 volunteers assisting in arena classes.
Our riders range in age from 3 to 50+ with the majority (90%) under the age of eighteen. This year we served 114 riders. Our riders are challenged by a variety of disabilities including ADHD, developmental delay, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol affects and various psychosocial challenges.
