Adaptive Riding
Every rider’s journey is unique. At Dream Catcher Stables, Adaptive Riding provides opportunities to build confidence, independence, and connection through the partnership between horse and rider.
More Than Riding
Adaptive Riding is more than learning riding skills. It is about discovering new abilities, building meaningful relationships, and celebrating every milestone—big or small.
Our instructors, volunteers, and specially trained horses work together to create a safe, encouraging environment where riders can learn at their own pace and experience the joy of achievement.
What Is Adaptive Riding?
Adaptive Riding is the modern terminology for the therapeutic riding industry where therapists and horse people work together. Adaptive Riding is horseback riding that is adapted to meet the individual needs and abilities of each participant.
Lessons are designed to help riders develop physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills while enjoying the unique partnership that only a horse can provide.
Whether a rider is taking the reins for the first time or continuing to build on previous experience, every lesson is personalized to support their goals.
Benefits of Adaptive Riding
Emotional
Build confidence, a sense of purpose, resilience, and self-esteem.
Cognitive
Develop focus, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
Physical
Improve balance, coordination, posture, strength, and motor skills.
Social
Create friendships, teamwork, trust, and meaningful connections and engagement.
Independence
Develop life skills to pursue education, employment, independent living, and lifelong success.
Who Can Participate?
Dream Catcher Stables welcomes children, teens, and adults with a variety of physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional disabilities.
Every prospective rider begins with an assessment so we can learn about their goals, abilities, and support needs. This helps us create the safest and most rewarding experience possible.
We’ll work with you to determine whether our program is the right fit for your rider.
What to Expect
Contact
Us
Reach out to our team to discuss your rider and ask questions.
Complete Registration
Complete the required paperwork and medical forms.
Rider Assessment
Meet our instructors and determine the best lesson plan.
Get
Started
Begin your Adaptive Riding journey with one of our amazing horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Dream Catcher Stables welcomes children (age 5 years and older), teens, and adults with disabilities who can benefit from Adaptive Riding. Because every individual is unique, each prospective rider must get a physician’s approval and complete an assessment to help us determine the safest and most rewarding program for their goals and abilities.
Do riders need previous horseback riding experience?
No. Many of our riders are experiencing horses for the very first time. Our instructors tailor each lesson to the rider’s experience level, abilities, and goals.
What should riders wear?
- Closed toed shoes or boots
- long pants or jeans
- weather appropriate shirt or top (must at least have short sleeves – no tank tops please).
- We provide the riding helmets.
What do the lessons offer?
Participants will learn to ride and care for horses to the very best of their capability. Lessons are tailored to the specific individual. Opportunities are available for competition in special and inclusive horse shows.
When do you offer lessons?
Lessons are scheduled throughout the week in the morning hours, weather permitting. Currently, individual adaptive riding lessons are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings. All lessons are pre-scheduled at least three days in advance to assure volunteer staff availability. On weekdays, during the school year, we also partner with Humble ISD to support their Mosaic program.
Are volunteers present during lessons?
Yes. Depending on the needs of the rider, trained volunteers may assist during lessons under the guidance of our certified instructors to help create a safe and supportive experience.
What is the Cost?
Our sliding fee scale makes this program affordable to all.
Is Adaptive Riding covered by insurance?
No, we are not therapists and cannot bill insurance; however, there is no fee to participate in our programs.
What if my child is nervous around horses?
That’s completely okay. Many riders feel a little nervous when meeting a horse for the first time. Our instructors and volunteers introduce each rider at a comfortable pace, allowing time to build trust and confidence before riding begins. Every journey starts with getting to know one another.
What is your weather policy?
Due to our outdoor facility, mounted lessons are not held during a summer heat index of 103º or higher or any time rainfall levels (or other inclement weather) prohibit safe riding. Athletes are encouraged to participate in horsemanship theory lessons and activities in our building during the summer heat.
How far in advance do I need to book?
ALL lessons are pre-scheduled at least 3 days prior (7 days preferred).
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Simply contact us to discuss your rider’s needs. Then, complete the required paperwork, and from there, we’ll match your rider with the program that’s right for them.
Ready to Begin?
Every journey starts with a single step—and sometimes, that step leads to the barn.
Whether you’re exploring Adaptive Riding for the first time or looking for the right program for your family, we’d love to welcome you to Dream Catcher Stables.