Location: Greenwood, South Carolina, United States
Bearcat Therapeutic Riding (BTR) is an equine-assisted activities and therapies program based at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. The program launched in 2009 with just two riders and has since grown to serve more than 30 children and adults across Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, and surrounding counties. BTR operates as a PATH International member center and is staffed by three PATH-certified instructors.
About This Program
BTR’s core mission is to use individualized, evidence-informed equine methods to help people with physical, cognitive, and social-emotional disabilities reach the highest possible level of independence. Sessions are designed around each rider’s specific goals, with instruction adapted to their age, ability, and medical history.
The physical benefits of therapeutic riding stem largely from the horse’s movement. The walk of a horse closely mirrors the rhythm and mechanics of human gait, which can help activate muscles, improve coordination, and provide sensory input that benefits riders with neurological conditions, autism, ADHD, and cognitive disabilities. The warmth of the horse also helps relax tight or spastic muscles, making movement more comfortable and productive.
Adapted riding lessons run 30 to 45 minutes and are held in small groups of two to four riders. Each session follows a consistent structure that includes grooming and tacking, mounting, warm-up, skill review, new skill instruction, reinforcement games and activities, cool-down, and dismount. Most riders start with three volunteers supporting them — one leading the horse and two sidewalking — and work toward independent riding over time.
When weather prevents outdoor riding, BTR transitions to unmounted horsemanship classes. These cover topics such as horse anatomy, nutrition, grooming, tacking, dental and hoof care, and basic first aid, with comparisons drawn throughout to everyday human activities and self-care skills.
BTR also serves as a Special Olympics Equestrian Training Center for South Carolina Area 5, giving participants an opportunity to work toward competition.
Services Offered
- Adapted horseback riding (individual and small group)
- Unmounted Life Skills horsemanship classes
- Showmanship at Halter classes
- Special Olympics equestrian training
- Groundwork and horse handling activities
- Volunteer training and education program
Who They Serve
Bearcat Therapeutic Riding may be a good fit for:
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with social-emotional disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals recovering from stroke or brain injury
- Individuals with neurological disorders
- Special Olympics participants
- Riders ages 3 and older
To participate, riders must have a diagnosed physical, cognitive, or social-emotional disability, meet weight requirements, be at least 3 years old, and provide a physician’s letter addressing any precautions or contraindications to riding.
Facility and Setting
Bearcat Therapeutic Riding is housed at the Lander University Equestrian Center, which holds the distinction of being the first university-based equestrian facility in South Carolina to offer academic, therapeutic, and competitive equestrian programming under one roof. The 37-acre property includes 26 stalls, a large covered arena, an outdoor arena, an enclosed round pen, a hot walker, classroom space, and 19 pastures.
- Greenwood, South Carolina location
- 2611 Highway 72-221 East, Lander University Equestrian Center
- 37-acre university-based facility
- Covered and outdoor riding arenas
- PATH International member center
- Special Olympics Equestrian Training Center for South Carolina Area 5
- Three PATH International registered instructors on staff
What Makes Them Unique
Bearcat Therapeutic Riding is one of the few therapeutic riding programs in the country operating within a university setting. Its home at Lander University places it alongside a competitive IHSA equestrian team and a Therapeutic Horsemanship academic minor, creating an environment where therapeutic riding is woven into a broader culture of equestrian education and research.
The Showmanship at Halter program is a particularly notable offering, giving riders a structured pathway toward Special Olympics competition through ground-based work with horses. Participants develop partnership, pattern recognition, gross motor skills, and confidence in a format that is accessible to riders who may not yet be ready for or suited to mounted work. This layered approach — combining riding, unmounted education, and competitive opportunity — makes BTR a strong option for individuals at a wide range of ability levels.