Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding • Santa Fe, NM

Horses Change Lives

Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding is located in Santa Fe and serves northern and central New Mexico. We are a member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l). We offer recreational therapy with horses for people facing the challenges of:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder                                          

Physical Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Spinal Cord Injury

Visual & Auditory Impairment

Amputation

Cancer Treatment & Recovery

Autism

Down Syndrome

Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties

At Risk Youth

Substance Abuse Recovery

Grief

Fear of Horses

No previous experience with horses is necessary. We match rider and horse, with the safety and comfort of both always first and foremost. Sessions begin with grooming and groundwork, which establish the human as the leader and creates a bond of trust between horse and rider. This helps riders improve focus for themselves and the horse and to communicate with sensitivity and patience. During these exercises, the horse helps the human learn to live in the present, rather than remain stuck in fear, pain, anger and other difficult emotions.

For those with physical challenges, horseback therapy offers great outdoor exercise that helps build overall strength. An increase particularly in core strength greatly improves gait, flexibility and physical balance. When riding, the human body's reaction to a horse's gait is the same as it would be if the person were actually walking themselves. This motion is highly beneficial to the human, as it increases brain activity, muscle activity and strength, and oxygen distribution. These are benefits that our participants may not be able to achieve without the assistance of the horse.

             Besides all that, it's fun!

Interested in riding?                         

When choosing a therapeutic riding program be sure to ask the following questions:   

                   
Does the program director have experience operating a therapeutic riding program?  
     Listening Horse: YES                                                    

Is the head instructor PATH Int'l Certified & trained in equine therapeutic PTSD techniques? 
     Listening Horse: YES

Does the program have a professional equine liability insurance policy?  
     Listening Horse: YES

Does the program follow PATH Int'l safety guidelines to minimize your risk? 
     Listening Horse: YES      

Does the program provide a low-key, calm and supportive atmosphere? 
     Listening Horse: YES

Is the program professionally managed and scheduled and not just a well-intentioned hobby? 
     Listening Horse: YES

To learn more about opportunities for riders & volunteers, please contact us.

Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding &  PATH Int'l Equine Services for Heroes Serving Northern & Central New Mexico (505) 424-9924

        logo photo by Gregory Thorpe