Child And Teen Program
Rainbow offers specialized programming for children and teens with physical, cognitive and mental health challenges. Every participant is an individual and we work with each child and teen to develop an individual plan that builds on their abilities. Our program works to create a positive experience where children and teens learn riding and equestrian skills while building a relationship with their horse and team.
Our team is trained to adapt horseback riding and ground work exercises to be safe, rewarding and fun. From selecting the right equipment, highly trained horses, volunteer support and experienced instructors, we strive to make riding accessible to everyone!
Some of the challenges that our child and teen riders face are:
Autism
Developmental Disabilities
Downs Syndrome
ADD and ADHD
PTSD
Severe Mental Health Challenges
Survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse
At Risk Youth
Aggressive and Oppositional Behavioral Challenges
Lack Of Self Confidence and Low Self-esteem
Blindness
Cerebral Palsy
Deafness
Mental Health Issues
Learning Disabilities
Spina Bifida
Sensory Processing Disorder
Learn about how horses help people here.
Join The Program!
Our riding program consists of weekly riding lessons. Riders may ride for one semester or continuously throughout the year. Rainbow’s schedule consists of a 10 week Spring and Fall Semester, and 6 week Winter and Summer semesters. Riders have the opportunity to ride weekly between semesters as well (except for break weeks and holidays).
All riders must be a minimum of 4 years old.
Lesson Length: Each lesson is 30 minutes for a private lesson or 45 minutes for a group lesson.
Your Instructor: The rider will be assigned one instructor for the semester. This instructor works with the rider to identify and accomplish the rider’s goals. All Rainbow instructors are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl.
Your Horse: The instructor will assign a horse that is appropriate for the rider’s skill level and riding goals.
Volunteer Support: Our instructors are assisted by an amazing team of volunteers who support each rider as needed. Depending on the physical and emotional needs of the rider, up to three volunteers can assist each rider. Volunteers may support by physically assisting with balance on the horse or may be a cheerleader and teammate helping the rider to navigate the lesson.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available. Please contact Robin at rainbow@rainbowriding.org to learn more about our scholarships.
More Programs
Youth Community Partner Programs
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Have Questions?
Give us a call or send an email to learn more.
“As Serenity rides...We can BREATHE, be just a Mom, a Dad, observe Serenity giggle, wave, feel her happiness, her sense of community, her sense of peace, comfort, connection and joy… It is by far the most precious, special time of our week, and the fabulous part is that the positive feelings continue after we exit the lesson...We can navigate through the week’s challenges because we have Rainbow in our corner, and it truly is like having a superpower.” ”
