Riding can bring freedom and joy to people with all kinds of challenges. We work toward specific developmental and therapeutic goals for people with autism, ADD and other hyperactivity syndromes, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, spina bifida, stroke, visual impairment, and other physical or behavioral challenges.
Horses are marvelous teachers. Learning to develop a respectful, caring relationship with them can teach our clients a lot about themselves, their strengths and challenges, and how to relate effectively with the world around them. Equine-assisted activities can include games and exercises on horseback or on the ground to improve self-esteem, balance, strength, coordination, independence, and other skills. Classes can be one-on-one or in small groups, and may include grooming, tacking up, and vaulting as well as therapeutic riding. Thanks to assistance from our scholarship program, grant funding, and community volunteers, we work with students regardless of their ability to pay.
As a member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International), MVRU complies with all specialized standards for safety and certification. Annie Budiselich, Program Director at MVRU, has over 30 years of experience designing and teaching therapeutic horsemanship programs and has been a certified instructor with PATH International for over 20 years. She is also certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid.
To schedule a therapeutic riding lesson, email annieb@mvriding.org or call (509) 996-9881.
Please find 2024 Lesson rates here. Apply to our Scholarship Program here.
