Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding has touched the lives of thousands of individuals and their families since 1990. Our mission is to improve quality of life to individuals with physical, mental, social, and emotional disabilities through equine-based therapy programs. Our unique program integrates academic, social, and physical skills using the horse as a catalyst. Equest is a PATH International Member Center.
About Us
Equest Center
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding transports individuals with physical, mental, social, and emotional disabilities into a new, unexplored world. It provides a sense of independence and freedom that defies their disabilities. When on horseback, riders escape their braces, crutches, and wheelchairs – replacing them with the gentle gait of a well-trained horse.
Those who have been on a horse respond immediately to the power and strength of the animal. For the physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged individuals, this experience offers a new view on life. Horses are a wonderful medium for relationships and therapy in a natural environment.
Riding Therapy
Riding therapy has proven to be a highly motivational and enriching therapeutic and educational modality. Equest’s programs combine instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social/emotional therapies.
Rider goals are thoughtfully developed to foster independence and to provide challenging and educational activities. Input is gathered from parents/guardians, clients, teachers, and therapists. An instructor’s lesson plan may include a wide variety of activities and exercises designed to increase the rider’s ability to listen, learn, and communicate.
Physical Benefits
Improves balance, posture, coordination, reflexes, motor planning, stretching of tight/spastic muscles, range of motion, respiration, circulation, appetite, digestion, sensory integration, muscle tone, strength/stamina, endurance, and relaxation
Mental Benefits
Strengthens auditory short term memory, ability to follow directions; improves visual memory, sequencing, patterning, motor-planning, math and reading skills, problem solving, spatial relationships, and hand-eye coordination
Social/Emotional Benefits
Provides a general sense of well-being and interest in the outside world and in ones own life; improves self confidence, patience, emotional control, self-discipline, communication skills; develops courage and a willingness to take risks
Teamwork is at the heart of what we do. With the horse, rider, therapist, instructor, volunteer, and family work together to provide a fun, loving and positive therapeutic environment that cannot be duplicated in a clinical setting.
Volunteers are vital to the success of our programs, contributing over 50,000 hours each year. Volunteers have the chance to work with one-on-one with the clients, horses, and staff to ensure that programs run smoothly. Learn more about volunteering HERE.
Equest’s Instructors are trained and certified by the the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International and our horses are individually evaluated and trained to be kind and gentle companions to our riders.
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is located on the outskirts of Rockford, Michigan on over 34 acres of scenic pasture and woodlands. Stedman Creek runs through the property, adding to the overall serene experience our riders receive as they journey down our sensory riding trails. Our facility is open year-round. We offer outdoor riding in the summer and heated indoor arena riding when the weather is cold or damp. Equest has ADA accessible facilities, restrooms, and a comfortable observation room for family and friends.
