Adaptive Horsemanship

Program Structure

Saddle Up’s Adaptive Horsemanship program is an experiential learning approach that centers around building a working relationship with the horse. The learning activities will concentrate on problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and confidence building. Using the barn and farm as a hands on classroom, students also get to participate in arts and crafts, hikes, games, and discovery. The class is led by a PATH International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and supported by educators and volunteers as needed. For mounted horsemanship skills, please see our Adaptive Riding program.

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Progress & Goals

Adaptive Horsemanship is designed to meet each participant’s needs. It will address executive functioning, social/emotional skills, regulation, communication, and problem solving. The goals are set for the individual following an assessment prior to the beginning of the program. Goals for participants between the ages of 19 and 26 years will focus on vocational skills. Goals are re-assessed at the end of the program and progress is communicated with their parents/guardians.

Eligibility

Participants must be between the age of 4 and 26 years old and have a documented disability. Participants need to be willing to interact with the horses from the ground. 

Goals for participants between the ages of 19 and 26 years will focus on vocational skills.  For this reason, 19 to 26 years old participants must be able to handle the horse independently with guided support from an instructor.

Cost

Saddle Up! Adaptive Horsemanship classes are $35 per participant for a 30-minute private lesson or a 1-hour group lesson. If your child has not participated in other Saddle Up programs, there is also a one-time New Participant Assessment fee of $30 to determine participant eligibility for the program. We do not want the cost of programs to deter your child from participating, so if you would like more information on our Financial Aid program, please let us know. 

How to get involved

To get your child or group involved, you can complete our Adaptive Horsemanship Interest Form or contact us at (615) 794-1150 and ask for the Program Department.

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Saddle Up!

1549 Old Hillsboro Road
Franklin, TN 37069-9136
info@saddleupnashville.org

Program Hours

Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 8am – 4pm