The Center for Adaptive Riding began in the backyard of a Northern Nevada property in 2007 with a mother, a horse, a daughter with disabilities, and a dream. The special connection she witnessed between her daughter and the horse was so emotionally and physically restorative and life-changing, she was inspired to start her own therapeutic riding center. Uniting the love of a special needs child and a horse was the foundation of our center.
The Center for Adaptive Riding, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 2009, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services. For over 15 years, we have been striving to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where people with diverse abilities can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of equine-assisted services. The Center for Adaptive Riding (CAR) is one of only three Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Premier accredited programs in Nevada. Premiere accreditation requires stringent compliance with over 100 standards for excellence in programming, site management, equine management and care, participant safety, and administration.
PATH Int’l accreditation demonstrates that CAR is qualified to offer effective, research-backed equine therapy in a safe and respectful environment. Our team consists of PATH Int’l Certified Instructors and Instructors-in-Training who deliver individually tailored lessons that assist riders to achieve their highest physical, emotional, and developmental potential in a playful, fun environment.
Every individual is unique and we design each lesson to the rider. The majority of our riders are between the ages of 4 - 30 years old, however, some are in their 60's and 70's. Our programs are designed to benefit individuals with a wide range of abilities. Adaptive riding teaches riding and horsemanship skills, aimed to improve physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being for people of all abilities.
Below are some disabilities and life challenges that can benefit from equine-assisted services:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADD/ADHD
Cerebral Palsy
Stroke/CVA
Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
Multiple Sclerosis
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
The Center for Adaptive Riding, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 2009, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services. For over 15 years, we have been striving to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where people with diverse abilities can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of equine-assisted services. The Center for Adaptive Riding (CAR) is one of only three Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Premier accredited programs in Nevada. Premiere accreditation requires stringent compliance with over 100 standards for excellence in programming, site management, equine management and care, participant safety, and administration.
PATH Int’l accreditation demonstrates that CAR is qualified to offer effective, research-backed equine therapy in a safe and respectful environment. Our team consists of PATH Int’l Certified Instructors and Instructors-in-Training who deliver individually tailored lessons that assist riders to achieve their highest physical, emotional, and developmental potential in a playful, fun environment.
Every individual is unique and we design each lesson to the rider. The majority of our riders are between the ages of 4 - 30 years old, however, some are in their 60's and 70's. Our programs are designed to benefit individuals with a wide range of abilities. Adaptive riding teaches riding and horsemanship skills, aimed to improve physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being for people of all abilities.
Below are some disabilities and life challenges that can benefit from equine-assisted services:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADD/ADHD
Cerebral Palsy
Stroke/CVA
Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
Multiple Sclerosis
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
I am filled with joy when I see him beaming from the saddle.
- Tyler's Mom, Lori
Healing. Humbled. Happiness. Honored.
I find it Healing to be at the peaceful facility and beautiful outdoors.
I am Humbled working with the gentle giants (the horses).
I feel so much Happiness watching the participants transform when they get on the back of a horse.
And I am Honored to be part of such a wonderful and transformative program.
- Lisa, Volunteer
Brenden rides because he likes the horse and he likes the people. He gets to work on strengthening his core and stretching his legs all while outside, on a horse, talking to people about everything. It's not the drudgery of physical therapy, repeat this movement, this many times, in a clinical setting. Instead it is something different every time, a new challenge, a new game, a new activity, all outside on a horse. It's so much more than physical therapy. It is recreation, play time, emotional support, and cognitive challenges for which we are very grateful!
- Brenden's Mom, Regina
We would like to share our positive experience with Center of Adaptive Riding.
Our son Rhett was born with distal arthrogryposis, so he has some physical limitations. He has had 3 major surgeries so far. His condition will continue to improve as he works hard to gain core strength and balance. Rhett has enjoyed the magical healing powers of the horses at CAR since he was 4 years old. CAR therapy has helped him prepare for and recover from leg-tendon and hip-bone surgeries. The equine therapy he receives at CAR has helped him in many ways on his path to improvement.
Being around horses is soothing for Rhett, but CAR is more than just a horse ride. I (Rhett's dad) first rode a horse when I was 5. When I heard of this opportunity for Rhett, my view was limited to the action of simply riding on a horse. To my surprise, CAR offers much more. There are several obstacle courses that challenge all his physical movements and skills. As in other sports, he also socializes and makes friends with the staff, horses and other riders. He is challenged to remember commands and routines. We have seen his self-esteem grow as he achieves higher levels.
Most sports are not available to kids with disabilities, especially at a young age. So, this is a great physical education outlet for these kids.
Nikki and her staff of volunteers care deeply for the kids. We are very thankful to have CAR. We heartily recommend them to anyone looking for physical activity/therapy for a child with disabilities.
- Rhett and his family, Kit, Elida & Pippa
The Center for Adaptive Riding is a proud PATH International Premier Accredited Center providing equine-assisted services to people of all abilities since 2007.
All of our instructors have passed stringent PATH International testing to become certified, and continue their education annually. The Center for Adaptive Riding is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 charity. Your contribution may be tax deductible. We are registered and incorporated with the Nevada Secretary of State and located in Reno, NV. Tax ID # 26-2361245 DLN 17053283355018 NV Business ID # NV20081010905 Entity # E0154402008-5 |