Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship
Becoming a rider
Our number one goal during each lesson is to be safe.
Our number two goal is to have fun!
Please email your name and contact info to SpecialEquestriansTC@gmail.com to be added to our waiting list.
Equine Assisted Activities:
The majority of our students partake in riding lessons, however for those students who are not able to ride (we have a 180 pound weight restriction for the student's safety), we also offer ground lessons in which the student is taught how to safely care for a horse. A Physician's form must be completed before the first lesson to rule out contraindications to horse back riding.
For new students, the first visit to our facility will include an evaluation with one of our PATH Intl. certified instructors, which takes approximately 30 minutes. During this evaluation our instructor will be learning where the student is physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively, if there are any physical adaptations for mounting and dismounting, observing how he/she behaves around and reacts to our horses, as well as fitting those that will ride to a saddle and helmet.
After the initial evaluation, the student is then placed in either a riding lesson program or into ground horsemanship lessons, which will be once per week on a regular schedule. The instructor will design a goal oriented plan for the participant based on the goals of the rider and/or parents, the information gathered during the evaluation, and what the instructor deems appropriate.
Step 1
When can you commit to ride
Lessons are 30-minutes long and scheduled within a 45-minute window to allow time for horse and student preparation and lesson summary.
Placement is based on availability of rider and staff. Lessons are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Step 2
Fill out the forms
New participants: Please fill out these forms, including a medical physical from your doctor. These are updated every year in the summer. There is a rider weight limit of 180 lbs for the safety of the student and the horses. If the rider weighs more than this, they can choose to participate in ground lessons.
Fill it out and return to SETC:
Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast
P.O. Box 651312, Vero Beach, FL 32965
SpecialEquestriansTC@gmail.com
Download SETC Rider Application here
Step 3
Set up an evaluation
An evaluation is set up to allow students and families to meet their instructors.
Come prepared with goals you would like to meet as a rider.
Examples of goals: Balance, sensory work, leg strength, confidence, following directions, etc.
During an evaluation, the student will be fit to a saddle and horse if available.
This is the best time to ask questions on what to expect out of riding lessons.