Therapeutic riding lessons help riders gain muscle tone, improve posture, and increase strength and balance because a horse’s stride mimics a human’s walk. Riders can also overcome fears and gain self-confidence. Cognitively, therapeutic riding allows riders to reach education goals such as letter recognition and other goals that can be incorporated into lessons. Riding lessons help socially as riders interact with peers and work together with them in lessons to overcome possible challenges. Riding also provides sensory input though the horses gait and may allow riders to focus on different skills and learn new tasks while receiving the needed sensory input.

Safe, fun, and educational riding lessons for those with disabilities as deemed safe and appropriate by PATH certified staff and personal therapist/doctor. An evaluation session will be conducted by Victory Junction staff prior to sign up and acceptance to a riding session.

Pricing:

Required one-time evaluation session: $15 per rider
Group Lessons: $30 per lesson
Private Lessons: $45 per lesson
Minimum 4 week commitment

Lesson Times:

Tuesdays in the Spring & Fall by appointment only.

Participants must submit a signed waiver and release form before riding.

Download Waiver and Release of Liability Form

For those that want to enjoy horses safely and in a controlled environment from the ground. Some program participants might start in this program before progressing on to actual riding lessons. They will learn how to safely interact with horses, horse care and other horse skills that will be useful.

Pricing:

Required one-time evaluation session: $15 per participant
Private ground work lessons, 30-60 mins: $20 per lesson
Minimum 4 week commitment

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in getting involved with Vic’s Riders? Become a volunteer by contacting our Barn Director, Billie Jo Davis.

Ages 13 and up. No experience working with horses or people with special needs required.

► Apply Now

 

Lesson Program Volunteers:

Horse Leader
Responsible for the horse before, during, and after a therapeutic riding lesson. Horse leaders receive additional training on grooming and tacking their assigned horse and how to effectively and safely lead a horse during lessons. Horse leaders are also responsible for ensuring that the horse is properly cooled out, untacked, groomed, and put away or turned out after the lesson. Must be able to walk in a sand arena or on a trail for 30-60 minutes.

Side Walker
Responsible for remaining with their rider before, during, and after their lesson to ensure full engagement at all times and the safety of the rider. Side walkers will receive additional training on effectively providing support for their riders whether that be a therapeutic hold while riding or simply reinforcing the skills being learned. After the lesson, the side walker is asked to remain with the rider and help with any post-lesson activity. Must be able to walk in a sand arena or on a trail for 30-60 minutes.

Barn Buddy
The Barn Buddy program is a ground lesson program where participants learn about horses from the ground (non-riding). Lessons can include grooming, parts of the horse, horse handling, etc. Barn buddies must be comfortable interacting and teaching about horses from the ground. Barn buddies will be trained on safety and teaching techniques. Lessons are between 30-60 minutes.

Equine Program Volunteers:

Equine Care and Facility Volunteers
These volunteers are responsible for assisting with the general care of the horses including feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, and facility upkeep. In additional to the general Vic’s Riders orientation, these volunteers are required to attend a specific training on horse and facility care.

Participants must submit a signed waiver and release form before riding.

Download Waiver and Release of Liability Form

Equine Program Intern

Victory Junction is not currently offering equine program internships. If you have questions about interning at the barn at Victory Junction or becoming PATH certified, please contact our Barn Director, Billie Jo Davis at bjdavis@victoryjunction.org. Please check back later for internship opportunities.