The minimum age for becoming a Saddle Up participant is 3 years. Prior to this age, there is some evidence that micro-fractures can occur from the repetitive motion of riding. Also, children under this age rarely fit into a safety-riding helmet. There is no maximum age for participating in our program.
For the well being of our horses, we currently have a weight limit of 180 lbs. This may change if we get a horse that can carry a heavier rider. We accept riders with all disabilities, providing that the NARHA does not list the disability as a contraindication to riding, and that a doctor signs a release indicating, in his or her opinion, riding would be indicated for this person. An initial evaluation by one of our certified instructors is required before anyone is accepted into the program.
We currently have a waiting list for lessons on Saturdays. Please fill out the Waiting List Application Form and return all rider paperwork to be placed on the waiting list. We do have times during the week for therapeutic riding lessons. Please email the Program Director at on can be scheduled mkasper@saddleupridingclub.org for availability. All rider paperwork must be submitted before an evaluation can be scheduled.
After the initial evaluation, goals are set for the rider for the current session. These may include physical, cognitive and/or behavioral goals. They may also include riding skills and competition goals. An appropriate method of mounting and dismounting are described and put in the rider's chart, along with the evaluation results. Suggestions for appropriate horses and tack are also included. The evaluation information is then used by our instructors to design lesson plans and objectives for each lesson. At the end of the session, the rider is reassessed to see if the goals have been met, and to set new goals for the next session.
There are no "typical" lessons. Lessons are designed with the individual rider's goals and needs in mind. Group lessons are 1/2 hour long, and usually include stretches and warm-up exercises, activities designed to reinforce and meet the goals and objectives, and games that reinforce the day's lesson. As the rider advances, ground skills such as grooming and tacking may be added to the lesson or incorporated on rainy days instead of riding.
Saddle Up Therapeutic Riding Program operates on a session basis. A session can vary from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the time of year.
New Rider Application Fee $25.00
Evaluation Fee $40.00
Group Lesson (2 to 5 riders) $30.00 per lesson
Private Lesson $40.00 per lesson
The first step is download and fill out all forms. All forms must be completed and returned to Saddle Up Riding Club before an evaluation can be scheduled. Once all paperwork is in our head instructor will call to set up an evaluation. Download Student Handbook. Waiting List Application Form.
