Font Size:
The UNH Therapeutic Riding Program has been offered at the University of New Hampshire since 1989 under the auspices of the Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences. The program utilizes the Department's horses, barn, and indoor arena facilities at the UNH Light Horse Center located on the UNH campus in Durham.
The program has a dual mission: to provide therapeutic treatment to individuals with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities; and, to create an environment which integrates members of the disabled and able-bodied communities.
Approximately 60-75 placements are made in each calendar year. Program services are provided by a UNH faculty member who serves as coordinator, a therapeutic riding instructor, a physical therapist, a volunteer coordinator and trained volunteers. A fee is charged for the program. Each participant has individualized short- and long-term goals and objectives and a plan to obtain them. The instructor, therapist, and, when possible, the participant work together to develop these goals. Lessons are held once a week in sessions scheduled in the spring, summer and fall. Riders participate in age appropriate, goal oriented activities both off and on the horse depending upon the needs and abilities of the individual participant.
