Therapeutic Horsemanship at Lakeview Heights

Lakeview Heights is proud to offer therapeutic horsemanship as part of our holistic and person-centered approach to mental and emotional well-being. As a Member Center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA) we are part of a longstanding tradition of using equine-assisted activities to help individuals grow, heal, and thrive.

Founded in 1969, NARHA has grown to include nearly 800 member centers and more than 6,300 individual members worldwide. Each year, these programs support over 42,000 individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges. We are proud to contribute to this legacy by offering dynamic and meaningful horsemanship experiences right here in our community.

What We Do

Our therapeutic horsemanship program blends structured horse-related activities with a focus on personal growth, healing, and skill-building. Unlike traditional riding lessons, therapeutic horsemanship emphasizes emotional insight, communication, responsibility, and trust, key components of wellness and recovery.

Residents at Lakeview Heights SRTF engage with the horses as part of their daily therapeutic routine. Activities include groundwork, as well as horse care responsibilities. Through these interactions, individuals can build strength, balance, confidence, and independence, all while forming authentic, healing relationships with these intelligent and sensitive animals.

Why Horses?

Horses are unique partners in the therapeutic process. Much like humans, they are social, intuitive, and responsive to their environment. Working with horses requires presence, honesty, and clarity, all of which promote deeper self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Therapeutic horsemanship activities challenge individuals to build:
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Non-verbal and verbal communication
• Leadership and collaboration
• Emotional insight and resilience
• Confidence, responsibility, and empathy

These sessions are carefully designed to meet the unique needs and goals of each participant. Whether grooming a horse, learning how to safely lead, or practicing mindfulness through observation, each experience fosters connection, reflection, and learning.

Everyday Lessons with Lasting Impact

The lessons learned in the barn and pasture often carry into everyday life. Through the rhythm of caring for another living being, individuals begin to rebuild a sense of structure, purpose, and hope. From budgeting and planning (how many bales of hay do we need this month?) to recognizing emotional and physical boundaries, therapeutic horsemanship provides a deeply experiential way to gain life skills.

Participants learn how their actions affect others, how to listen without speaking, how to identify unsafe situations, and how to stay grounded in the moment. Perhaps most importantly, they learn how to show up authentically, for themselves and for others.

Our Commitment

At Lakeview Heights, our therapeutic horsemanship program is more than just an activity, it’s a healing journey. We are committed to offering a powerful, fun, and effective therapeutic alternative that allows participants to process emotions, develop healthy relationships, and take meaningful steps toward recovery.

We believe in the strength of the human-animal bond, and we are honored to facilitate life-changing experiences through the wisdom and power of horses.