Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization offering therapeutic riding for Collier County, Florida adults and children with disabilities.  We are a Premier Center through PATH International -Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (formerly NARHA).  Premier Centers are known to have met stringent safety standards and have achieved excellence in providing quality equine-assisted activities.  Our approval as a Premier Center means that NEC has been carefully scrutinized and has been determined to have met the accreditation requirements in the areas of administration, facility, and programs.  We are very thankful to our volunteers, rider families, and staff who made this accreditation possible!

Our Mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs..

At NEC, we offer activities to address the physical, mental, and social challenges our riders face. Our riders come to us with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Stroke, Autism, Amputations, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and a range of emotional, learning and developmental disabilities.

For individuals with impaired mobility, horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves their bodies in a three-dimensional motion, simulating the natural walking gait of humans.  In addition to the physical benefits of riding a horse, our lessons are designed to help riders mentally focus to practice using their concentration in ways that very often do not come naturally to them. And, because our horses are the partners providing the opportunity to experience the benefits of riding, we also emphasize horsemanship skills with every student.

Equine related therapeutic activities offer marvelous benefits … it relaxes muscles, increases joint mobility, strengthens and improves posture, balance and coordination.  It also develops self-confidence, concentration and self-discipline... and horses provide a unique source of love and reassurance for our special students!