What is “therapeutic riding"?
Because the movement of a horse mimics the movement of a human’s walk, riders experience this movement in their own bodies and receive physical, sensory, and neurological stimulation. This translates to stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, and, just as importantly, increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
How does someone enroll in a therapeutic riding program?
At NEC, our process is thorough: When an inquiry is received, the required forms are either downloaded from our web site or we send out an application package that includes medical forms, release forms, and information about our program.
When we receive the forms back, we schedule an assessment and an evaluation ride. This is done by a member of our team of NARHA Certified Riding instructors, often with the assistance of a licensed Physical Therapist. There is a one-time, non-refundable $30.00 fee for the rider evaluation. Not everyone who applies or is evaluated, is accepted into the program. Sometimes there are reasons why we cannot accept a rider (or a rider does not want to enroll after all), and we follow NARHA guidelines in making these decisions. 
Once accepted, an appropriate class and time for weekly lessons is chosen. If we do not have an opening in the appropriate class, the rider is placed on a waiting list until an opening becomes available. We make every effort to accept riders into our program as quickly as possible.
What happens after the Initial Evaluation?
After the initial evaluation, goals are set for the rider for the current Session. These may include physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral goals. An appropriate method of mounting and dismounting are described and put in the rider's chart, together with any special instructions for sidewalkers. Suggestions for appropriate horses and tack are also included. This information is then used by our instructors to design lesson plans and objectives for each lesson. At the end of the Session, a Progress Report is generated and each rider is reassessed to determine which goals have been met, and to set new goals for the next Riding Session.
When are lessons?
We currently offer lessons on Mondays (3:30-6:45pm), Wednesdays (4:30-6:00pm), Thursdays (9-11:00am and 4:15-7:00pm), and Saturdays (7:30am-12noon) during Winter, Spring and Fall. The summer season is a shortened schedule for general sessions but Summer Camp sessions are available. In August and on certain Holiday’s there is no riding.
Riders sign up for a Session which is composed of 6-8 weeks of group riding
lessons ($10 per 30 minute group riding lesson weekly). The cost of an
eight-week Session is therefore a total of $80; riding fees must be paid in
advance of each Session.
For Information About Our Summer & Outreach Camps
THERAPY + HORSES = MAGIC!
