Therapeutic riding is a structured equine-assisted activity designed to support individuals with special needs in achieving cognitive, motor, social, sensory, speech, and self-esteem goals. Unlike general horseback riding offered as a recreational camp activity, therapeutic riding is delivered as a purposeful intervention – with trained instructors, certified equine specialists, and program design oriented around specific therapeutic outcomes for each participant.

What therapeutic riding is and how it works

Therapeutic riding falls under the broader classification of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies, commonly referred to as EAAT. Within this classification, therapeutic riding is one of several modalities that may be incorporated into an integrated treatment or programming regimen for individuals with special needs. Benefits associated with therapeutic riding include increased flexibility and range of motion, improved balance and strength, sensory integration support, and gains in confidence and self-esteem. The rhythmic movement of the horse provides physical and neurological stimulation that is difficult to replicate through other forms of therapy / activity.

Certification and accreditation

Instructor and equine specialist certification for therapeutic riding and other EAAT applications is available through professional associations including PATH International – the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. PATH International describes its mission as promoting “safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.” Camps and organizations may earn and maintain accreditation through PATH, which provides families with a verifiable quality and safety benchmark when evaluating programs.

The difference between therapeutic riding and general horseback riding

This distinction is important for families specifically seeking therapeutic programming. Many special needs camps offer horseback riding as a general recreational activity, which may be enjoyable and beneficial without constituting a formal therapeutic riding program. A camp with a dedicated therapeutic riding program will have PATH-certified instructors or equivalent credentialing, individualized participant assessments, documented therapeutic goals, and equine specialists trained to support the specific needs of each rider. When evaluating a program it is worth asking directly about instructor certification, staff-to-participant ratios, and how the program is structured relative to individual therapeutic objectives.

Program formats

As of early 2026, VerySpecialCamps.com lists approximately 44 therapeutic riding camps nationwide, representing about 9% of all directory listings. Thirty-one programs operate as day camps and 22 offer residential formats, meaning some programs offer both. Fourteen programs include respite camp options and six include travel camp components. Programs are almost entirely coed – 43 of 44 listings serve both boys and girls, with one all-girls program listed.

Geographic distribution

Georgia leads the directory with 6 therapeutic riding camp listings, followed by Michigan with 5, and Florida and Pennsylvania each with 4. Kansas and North Carolina each have 2 programs listed. The geographic concentration in Georgia and Michigan likely reflects the presence of established PATH-accredited organizations in those states that have developed therapeutic riding as a core program emphasis rather than an ancillary activity.

Finding therapeutic riding camps

Browse the full list at Therapeutic Riding Camps on VerySpecialCamps.com to filter by state, format, and program type. Each listing includes director-reported details about the program’s focus, age ranges, and session formats. When contacting a program directly, asking about PATH certification and how therapeutic goals are established and tracked will help distinguish dedicated therapeutic riding programs from camps that offer horseback riding as a general activity.

For camp directors

If you operate a therapeutic riding program for individuals with special needs and are not yet listed on VerySpecialCamps.com, visit the VerySpecialCamps.com director listing page to review options and sign up.