SPECIAL SPIRIT PROGRAMS
EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES | ADAPTIVE RIDING LESSONS
EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES
Equine-assisted services (EAS) offer support for individuals facing cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges promoting focus, independence, balance, and social skills, empowering them to overcome limitations and thrive.
Our programs help individuals with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, build physical strength and emotional regulation through riding lessons, mounted and unmounted.
ADAPTIVE RIDING LESSONS
​​​​Safety is our top priority as we focus on enhancing the overall health and well-being of both adaptive and able-bodied participants.
​
Lessons are available for individuals and groups, following PATH and EAGALA protocols. Students learn about horse behavior, body language, basic anatomy, tack, and safely mounting and dismounting, grooming and how to basics of how to safely ride a horse. ​
RIDING LESSONS/HORSEMANSHIP
Lessons are tailored to each rider’s abilities, promoting balance, coordination, confidence and social interaction. Participants learn how to groom, tack up, and handle horses on the ground. Riding lessons focus on developing basic riding skills, building confidence, and ensuring safety both on and off the horse.
GROUND-BASED LEARNING
For those who best experience horses on the ground, activities such as grooming, leading, observing horses are used to explore emotions and behavior patterns. The horse’s responsiveness provides real-time feedback, offering valuable insight sand fostering growth and healing.
​
WALK AND TALK TRAIL RIDES
An experience that encompasses emotional intelligence and social engagement while also learning the basics of horsemanship
and trail riding. This program is designed to encourage participants to have meaningful discussions with one another and/or with our staff and trained volunteers. Trail Rides include about 15-20 minutes of on the ground instruction and animal interaction, and about 20-30 minutes of riding either on a safe local trail or around our beautiful property on our Spirit Sensory Trail.
Therapeutic horseback riding is more than just an activity—it’s a powerful way to improve physical strength, confidence, and emotional well-being.
​
Horseback riding naturally engages the body and mind. The movement of the horse mimics a human walking gait, helping riders improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. Beyond the physical benefits, being around horses builds self-esteem, social skills, and a sense of freedom.​​
Initial Evaluation - $75
Before beginning any of our equine-assisted programs, we require a one-time evaluation session. This session includes:
-
A guided tour of the ranch
-
An overview of our programs and services
-
A discussion of individual needs and goals
-
Assistance with required paperwork
Each student is assessed and evaluated for their unique needs and individualized lesson plans are devised and revised to support these goals.
Lesson Pricing
For more information and to schedule an evaluation, please contact us at (323) 661-3090 | info@specialspirit.org
"Donovan suffers from type 1 diabetes and autism spectrum disorder.
At first we were not sure if being around horses would be a good idea or if he would even enjoy it, but he proved us wrong. Since the first time he rode, he has had a smile of joy every time we come to the ranch.
Donovan has trouble using his hands for some tasks, walking properly, and social skills. In just a few months he is learning how to finally tie his shoes, use his hands for more tasks, and is walking better. Donovan does not like making eye-contact or having conversations with people, but when he's riding he will look at you and answer when he is being asked too. Donovan loves caring for the horses but his favorite thing is trotting on the horses! He's the happiest little boy when he knows we're going to the ranch to ride, especially on Pumpkin. Thanks to Miss Eva and Special Spirit's time, patience, and support we have gone one step further in changing Donovan's life."
- JACKIE, DONOVAN'S MOM