New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding

Our Riders

Hear what our parents are saying about New Beginnings...

- Linda and John Kelly, Parents of student

We have been associated with New Beginnings almost from the beginning, over 12 years and there are few activities our autistic daughter enjoys more. Victoria has developed confidence in herself, has assumed responsibility for grooming her horse and expresses a sense of independence that we know is a result of the program. New Beginnings is important to the community... just look at the happy and proud faces of the riders...Thank you for being here and providing such an important service to the community.

Special Needs Served by NBTR (not limited to)
• Autism
• ADD & ADHD
• Cerebral Palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Dandy Walker Syndrome
• Downs Syndrome
• Mental Retardation
• Anoxic Enceleopathy
• Amputee
• Global Developmental Delays
• Quadriplegia
• Transverse Myelitis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• CNS Dysfunction
• Chorea
• Hearing Impairments
• Coffin Lowry Syndrome
• Microcephaly
• Visual Impairments
• Russel-Silver Syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Smith-Lemli-Opitz
• Arthriits
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Behavioral Disabilities
• Emotional Disabilities
• Physical Disabilities

Age Requirements

We accept riders from 5 years old and up. We accept riders with all disabilities, provided there are no contraindications.

Weight Restrictions

In relation to horse health and safety, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding imposes a ruling on weight allowed on horses. In General and according to most published pieces a horse is able to carry around 20% of its weight without causing pain or long-lasting ill effects over a period of time. This is more difficult if the weight is unstable (unbalanced). Most of our horses weight is between 800 to 1100 pounds, this means our riders need to be at or below the weight of 220. Exceptions can be made regarding the weight if the rider's ability to be balanced and in correct position can help the horse stay sound and stable. Exceptions can be made also if a horse of over 1100 lbs is available and the rider is able to ride independently so volunteer sidewalkers will not be put in an unsafe position.

Precautions and Contraindications

There are precautions and contraindications for every disability and we evaluate every rider before they are accepted into the program. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is our governing body and has researched all disabilities to make therapeutic riding a safe and enjoyable experience for all who are eligible.

Cost per class

$25.00 per class per student.  Financial aid is available but must be approved by our Program Director and Head Instructor. 

As you are aware New Beginnings is supported by community donations NOT by participants fees.  We are asking your help collecting additional donations to support our operating budget, an extra $100 per year will help our program needs.  Please contact the office as to how you can help us gather these donations.

Rider's Packet

To be accepted into the New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Program, a Rider's Packet must be completed, returned and reviewed by our program Director and Head Instructor. If there are further questions concerning a potential rider, our Physical Therapist and Medical Advisor will be consulted. After the rider has been accepted, they will be notified and either a class time will be scheduled or you will be put on a waiting list if all classes are filled.

Student Manual click here