SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Canton, Connecticut. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals with special needs reach their full potential through therapeutic interactions with horses. Using the internationally recognized SpiritHorse therapeutic riding curriculum, the center provides individualized, research-based equine-assisted interventions that promote physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, and social development.
The center serves children and adults with a variety of disabilities through one-on-one therapeutic riding sessions led by certified SpiritHorse International Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Supported by trained volunteers and carefully selected therapy horses, SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center creates a safe, encouraging environment where participants develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and improved quality of life.
About This Program
SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center offers private equine-assisted therapeutic riding lessons tailored to each participant’s unique needs and abilities. Every lesson follows the SpiritHorse International curriculum, a research-based program consisting of structured therapeutic activities designed to address speech, sensory processing, balance, coordination, behavior, cognitive development, and motor skills. Riders may also participate in horse grooming, leading, saddling, and other horsemanship activities as part of their individualized learning experience.
The organization also provides specialized programming for young children through an Early Intervention Program, mentorship opportunities for teenagers with disabilities, vocational agricultural education, summer farm programs, Memory Care Equine Therapy for individuals with dementia, and Equicizer sessions using a mechanical horse to improve balance and confidence before riding a live horse.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding lessons
- Private one-on-one equine-assisted therapy sessions
- SpiritHorse International therapeutic riding curriculum
- Early Intervention Program for children under five
- Equine-assisted developmental therapy
- Horse grooming and horsemanship education
- Equicizer mechanical horse therapy
- Memory Care Equine Therapy
- Teen mentorship program
- Equine vocational agricultural (VOAG) program
- Summer equine programs and camps
- Balance and coordination development
- Speech and sensory integration support
- Volunteer opportunities
- Community outreach and education
Who They Serve
SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton may be good for:
- Children with developmental delays
- Children under age five through early intervention
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Teens with social challenges
- Adults with disabilities
- Individuals with sensory processing needs
- Individuals with speech and communication challenges
- Seniors living with dementia or memory loss
- Families seeking individualized equine-assisted therapy
Facility and Setting
SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center operates from a peaceful farm in Canton, Connecticut, offering private therapeutic riding lessons in a supportive equestrian environment. The facility includes therapy horses, an Equicizer mechanical horse, and spaces for mounted and unmounted activities that help participants safely work toward their therapeutic goals. Tours of the facility are available by appointment.
The organization relies on certified instructors, horse leaders, side walkers, administrative volunteers, and barn staff to provide individualized support for every participant. Therapy horses are carefully selected and trained to provide calm, dependable partnerships throughout the therapeutic process.
What Makes Them Unique
SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center distinguishes itself by utilizing the SpiritHorse International research-based curriculum, which incorporates 178 structured therapeutic intervention steps delivered through individualized one-on-one sessions. This comprehensive approach extends beyond recreational riding by focusing on measurable developmental and therapeutic outcomes.
Another unique aspect of the organization is its diverse range of specialized programs, including early childhood intervention, memory care services, vocational agriculture training, teen mentorship, and Equicizer therapy. These offerings enable the center to serve participants across multiple age groups and developmental stages while addressing a broad spectrum of therapeutic needs.