Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center Inc

Founded in 1995, Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center began with a small group of 35 riders and 4 horses, providing therapeutic riding to youth and adults with disabilities. Now, we, along with our 17 equine partners, serve approximately 135 students per week, per session. Students participate in therapeutic riding or equine facilitated learning classes. 

True to the founding mission, Raemelton serves individuals with mental, physical, social, emotional and sensory disabilities. By promoting the strengths that lie within both the disabled individual and his/her horse, Raemelton encourages the riders to expand their “abilities” in a safe, yet challenging environment.

Therapeutic riding was first offered by British physiotherapists to wounded soldiers at the Oxford hospital during WWI. Since that time, the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association have recognized therapeutic riding as a progressive form of therapy.

A horse's walking gait mimics a human walking gait. The motion of the horse is transferred up from the horse’s pelvis to the rider’s pelvis and core system. Strengthening core muscles provides stability in balance, improves breathability, ambulation and digestion. The unique bond formed with a horse has also shown to aid in improved interpersonal relationships for those with psychological or emotional disabilities. As a result, all riders can experience increased self-esteem and coping skills.

Equine Facilitated Learning is a non-mounted educational approach which incorporates equine facilitated activities using the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning and self-discovery. This model encourages personal explorations of feelings and behaviors to help promote human growth and development. Using the horses as a partner, the student learns how to act, react and interact to their environment. Equine Facilitated Learning allows students to work in a positive environment and achieve positive results.

Trust, teamwork, problem solving, relationship building and leadership can all be fostered in developing a partnership between an individual and their horse.

Programs currently offered: Therapeutic Riding, Equine Facilitated Learning and Volunteer opportunities.