Types of Equine-Assisted Activities

Equine-assisted activities describe a wide range of programs where people interact with horses to learn new skills, build confidence, and experience personal growth. These programs can include horseback riding, unmounted horsemanship, groundwork exercises, or group activities designed to foster connection and communication. Across the United States, thousands of riders of all ages participate in these experiences every year, often discovering that time spent with horses offers a unique blend of structure, challenge, and calm.

Although the phrase “equestrian therapy” is sometimes used colloquially, most programs operate as recreational, educational, and supportive activities, not clinical therapy. They emphasize skill development, relationship-building, and accessible riding experiences rather than treatment or medical outcomes. Because of this, the most accurate and widely accepted term is equine-assisted activities (EAA). These activities vary depending on the center, the instructors, and the needs of each participant, but they all revolve around the same core idea: providing meaningful experiences through human–horse interaction.

Understanding the different types of equine-assisted activities can help families decide which programs might fit their interests or goals. While each center’s offerings are unique, most programs fall into several broad categories that have become well-recognized across the equestrian community.

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is one of the best-known forms of equine-assisted activity. In these programs, participants learn basic horseback-riding skills in a structured environment created by trained instructors and carefully selected horses. Lessons may include practicing balance, steering, stopping, communicating with the horse, and riding patterns that encourage focus and coordination.

The atmosphere in therapeutic riding lessons is typically steady and calm. Riders are encouraged to progress at their own pace, and instructors adapt activities to fit each person’s abilities. Some riders may begin by practicing simple tasks such as holding the reins or maintaining a steady position in the saddle, while others may feel ready to ride patterns, work on transitions, or explore more advanced communication signals.

What makes therapeutic riding distinct is the emphasis on accessibility and personal growth. The focus is not on competition or performance, but on creating a supportive experience where riders feel successful and capable. Over time, many riders report that the lessons help them feel more confident, independent, and connected — both with the horse and with the people supporting them.

Adaptive Riding

Adaptive riding is closely related to therapeutic riding but places stronger emphasis on individualized support. These programs adjust the experience to meet the specific needs of each rider, whether through modified equipment, alternate mounting approaches, or additional instructor or volunteer assistance.

Adaptations vary widely. Some riders may benefit from specially designed saddles or supports that help them maintain balance. Others may use different rein styles or signals. Mounting can be adjusted through the use of ramps, blocks, or lifts, depending on the facility. The goal is not to change the activity itself, but to ensure the rider can participate comfortably and safely.

Because adaptive riding is so personalized, lessons often include a combination of mounted and unmounted activities. Riders may spend part of their session grooming, preparing tack, or practicing commands on the ground before mounting the horse. These routines help build familiarity and confidence. Adaptive riding programs tend to be highly encouraging, flexible, and focused on creating positive experiences tailored to each individual.

Equine-Assisted Learning

Equine-assisted learning (often referred to as EAL) focuses on building life skills through structured interactions with horses, usually without riding. These sessions can include grooming, leading, observing horse behavior, or participating in guided activities that encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional awareness.

Horses are naturally responsive animals. They react to posture, tone, intention, and energy, often providing immediate feedback. If a participant approaches a horse calmly and clearly, the horse is more likely to respond positively. If someone is hesitant, distracted, or uncertain, the horse may pause or wait, prompting the participant to adjust their approach. This dynamic helps individuals reflect on their communication style and interpersonal habits in a way that feels authentic and non-judgmental.

EAL is commonly used with children, teens, and adults who are interested in building confidence, leadership skills, or self-awareness. Because it does not involve riding, EAL can also be a wonderful option for people who prefer to stay on the ground, feel more comfortable interacting with a horse without mounting, or want to develop horsemanship before eventually riding.

Unmounted Horsemanship Programs

Many centers offer dedicated horsemanship programs that focus entirely on caring for and understanding horses. These sessions may involve grooming, learning about horse anatomy, understanding behavior and body language, preparing tack, cleaning stalls, or participating in daily barn routines.

For some individuals, horsemanship activities are just as fulfilling as riding — sometimes even more. Many riders form deep bonds with their horses through grooming sessions, where they learn how to brush, pick hooves, and care for the horse in a gentle, structured way. These activities help participants develop responsibility, patience, and attention to detail.

Horsemanship programs also help individuals understand the broader world of horses. Learning how to recognize a horse’s mood, how to safely lead a horse, or how to prepare equipment fosters both confidence and competence. These skills often translate into greater ease during riding lessons, making horsemanship a valuable part of many equine-assisted programs.

Recreational and Inclusive Riding Lessons

In addition to structured therapeutic or adaptive programs, many centers offer recreational riding lessons that are inclusive of riders with a wide range of needs and experience levels. These lessons may follow a more traditional riding-school structure, focusing on equitation, communication with the horse, and building riding skills over time.

What sets inclusive programs apart is their flexibility. Instructors adapt the lesson style to the rider’s level of comfort and confidence. Beginners may start slowly, working on balance and basic communication, while more experienced riders may explore patterns, trail riding, or group lessons. The environment is typically encouraging and non-competitive, designed to help riders enjoy the process at their own pace.

For many families, these programs offer a sense of community. Riders often socialize before and after lessons, participate in barn events, or join small group rides. This helps build friendships and strengthens the positive atmosphere that many riding centers cultivate.

Group-Based Activities and Camps

Some equine-assisted activity centers host group programs, seasonal camps, or themed workshops. These may combine mounted and unmounted activities, giving participants the chance to ride, play games, learn horsemanship, and work together as a team.

Group activities help riders practice communication and cooperation while enjoying a shared experience. They may include obstacle courses, mounted games, grooming stations, or simple barn chores carried out together. The social aspect often becomes a highlight, especially for children and teens who enjoy bonding with peers who share similar interests.

Seasonal camps or multi-day programs expand this experience further. Participants may spend the day at the barn, learning about horses, participating in groundwork activities, engaging in creative projects, and spending time outdoors. These programs often feel like a blend of traditional camp activities and equine-assisted learning.

Why These Activities Matter

Equine-assisted activities create rich opportunities for personal growth. Horses encourage riders to be present, patient, and intentional. For many participants, learning how to communicate with a horse becomes a lesson in confidence and connection. Riding itself provides a sense of accomplishment, while grooming and groundwork foster responsibility and empathy.

These programs are meaningful not because they make medical claims, but because they offer real-life opportunities to engage, learn, and grow in a supportive environment. Horses help people experience success in ways that feel natural and uplifting.