UCP Saddle Pals Therapeutic Horsemanship Program is an adaptive equine-assisted services program operated by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Sacramento and Northern California. The program provides weekly adaptive horsemanship lessons for children and adults with disabilities, helping participants improve physical abilities, confidence, independence, and overall quality of life through meaningful interactions with horses. As a PATH International-accredited program, Saddle Pals follows nationally recognized standards for safety, instruction, and equine welfare.
Open to both UCP clients and members of the public, Saddle Pals combines horseback riding with horsemanship education in a supportive environment led by PATH International-certified instructors and dedicated volunteers. Participants develop riding skills while strengthening balance, posture, coordination, self-awareness, and self-esteem through individualized instruction and hands-on horse care activities.
About This Program
UCP Saddle Pals offers adaptive horseback riding and horsemanship lessons for individuals ages four and older with developmental and other disabilities. Each participant begins with an assessment before enrolling in individualized or semi-private lessons that are tailored to their goals and abilities. Lessons incorporate mounted riding as well as ground-based activities, allowing riders to build confidence while learning about horse care, grooming, and stable management.
The program is designed to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being through equine-assisted activities. Participants benefit from the horse’s natural movement while developing independence, communication skills, responsibility, and meaningful relationships with both horses and instructors.
Services Offered
- Adaptive horseback riding lessons
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Individual riding lessons
- Semi-private riding lessons
- Ground-based equine activities
- Horse grooming and animal care education
- Balance and coordination development
- Posture and core strength improvement
- Confidence and self-esteem building
- Socialization opportunities through equine activities
- PATH International-accredited instruction
- Volunteer-supported riding sessions
- Scholarship opportunities for riders
- Community volunteer opportunities
Who They Serve
UCP Saddle Pals Therapeutic Horsemanship Program may be good for:
- Children ages 4 and older
- Teens and adults with disabilities
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals seeking adaptive recreational activities
- Families seeking equine-assisted services
- Community members interested in adaptive horsemanship
Facility and Setting
The Saddle Pals Therapeutic Horsemanship Program operates at 3200 Longview Drive, Sacramento, California, providing an accessible equestrian environment for adaptive riding and horsemanship education. Lessons are conducted by PATH International-certified instructors with the assistance of trained volunteers and carefully selected therapy horses to ensure a safe and supportive experience for every participant.
The facility emphasizes participant safety, individualized instruction, and horse welfare while creating opportunities for riders to build skills, confidence, and lasting connections with horses in an encouraging atmosphere.
What Makes Them Unique
UCP Saddle Pals stands out as a PATH International-accredited adaptive horsemanship program operated by one of Northern California’s leading nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities. By combining evidence-based adaptive riding instruction with horsemanship education, the program helps participants improve physical abilities while fostering confidence, independence, and personal growth.
Another distinguishing feature is its inclusive approach. Saddle Pals welcomes both UCP and non-UCP participants and offers scholarship opportunities, volunteer support, and individualized programming that makes adaptive equine-assisted services accessible to families throughout the Sacramento region.