Heavenly Hooves

Serving Special Needs Individuals

Since 2002 Heavenly Hooves has safely served over 25,000 individuals. Our teaching methods, safety standards, and rigorous instructor training are strictly guided by the principles of PATH International. Specially trained horses and PATH-certified instructors are used to help foster a sense of accomplishment in each student's spirit. Lessons are conducted in a safe and supportive environment where students learn to groom, care for, and ride their horse. We strive to instill confidence, provide happiness, excitement, and most importantly, a feeling of inclusion for all our students. Besides delivering smiles, hope, and cheer, Heavenly Hooves helps participants in the following ways:

Develop fine and gross motor skills through petting and grooming
Encourage expressions of positive emotions
Teach cooperation
Increase tactile tolerance and awareness
Increase expressive language skills
Encourage reach, capture, and manipulation of objects
Build self esteem
Encourage gestures and/or sounds
Increase vocabulary

Heavenly Hooves activities include:

Riding classes for individuals with disabilities
Competitive riding for individuals with disabilities

Riding Classes for Individuals with Disabilities

Riding classes for individuals with disabilities occur in three sessions throughout the year, similar to the school calendar (fall semester, spring semester, summer semester). Visit the Class Schedule page to learn more about class times and fees. Participants enroll in a group class, where they receive training with up to three other students. However, individual classes are also available.

All instruction is facilitated by a PATH-certified riding instructor and is designed to improve a variety of skills, such as balance, focus, coordination, flexibility, and muscular strength, while instilling a sense of accomplishment in every student. We aim to offer an experience that is fun and interactive and involves riding, grooming, and games. Please contact our program manager to inquire about enrollment.

Get saddled up right away by clicking the following links to learn about fees and complete the registration form!

Competitive Riding for Individuals with Disabilities

Competitive riding for individuals with disabilities is an advanced facet of our programs. Once students have participated in a riding session, they are always invited to participate in horse shows, as well as the Equestrian Special Olympics. Both the County- and Area-level competitions are held at McCormick, followed by State competition in Weirsdale. Each year we transport our qualifying riders and horses for this exciting competition. We look forward to having you on the team!