Our Programs

Saddle Up! is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center which provides high quality programs in the field of equine assisted activities and therapies. Based on your child’s needs and interests we can provide quality programming through our Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning, and/or Saddle Up! Equestrian Club program. To find out more information about our programs and how to get your child involved please review the information below.

Why the horse?

Nothing can compare to the power of the horse. The auto industry has put “horsepower” into their engines for decades but there is a “horse power” beyond strength and speed that only a real horse can provide. Saddle Up! partners with their herd to offer children with disabilities a unique environment to grow and develop. Our horses provide movement, support, learning opportunities, strength, stability, companionship, and much more to participants in all of our different programs. To see the horses in action and the amazing power they have to offer feel free to schedule a visit for you and your family.

To get your child involved in our programs, please contact Program Director Lindsey Woodvia emailor call 615-794-1150, ext. 240.

Therapeutic Riding Program

Saddle Up!’s Therapeutic Riding program is an equine-assisted activity where participants work on their mounted and unmounted horsemanship skills. Our PATH International Certified Instructors adapt the lesson for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of children with disabilities. Our Therapeutic Riding program serves children with disabilities from the age of 4 through their 19th birthday.

Learn more about Therapeutic Riding

Hippotherapy Program

Saddle Up!’s Hippotherapy program is a physical therapy or occupational therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. We don’t use hippos for this program, the word hippotherapy derives from the Greek word hippos, meaning horse. Our therapists skillfully direct the movement of the horse to challenge and engage the patient’s neuromuscular and sensorimotor systems to address the patient’s challenges, such as deficits in balance, endurance, coordination, communication, and attention. Our Hippotherapy program serves patient’s with disabilities as young as 2 years old.

Learn more about Hippotherapy

Equine Assisted Learning Program

Saddle Up!’s Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program is an experiential learning approach which involves students interacting with horses to build self-confidence, improve social skills, and reinforce academic skills. Using the barn as a dynamic classroom, students also get to participate in arts, crafts, hikes, games, and discovery. This program is designed for students Kindergarten through 12th grade with learning and/or social differences.

Learn more about Equine Assisted Learning

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Saddle Up! Equestion Club

The Saddle Up! Equestrian Club (SUEC) is a group of up to 6 riders who have exceled through the Therapeutic Riding program and are working on mastering their horsemanship skills. Each SUEC meeting gives riders the opportunity to participate in class work, barn work, riding, and horse care. Riders are children with disabilities who have achieved Level #4 in RIDES®, through our Therapeutic Riding program, and showed continued interest in excelling their horsemanship skills.

Learn more about SUEC

How do I get my child involved?

If you would like to get your child involved as a participant in our Therapeutic Riding program, please contact our Program Director. If you would like to be involved in Therapeutic Riding as a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Services Director.