Therapeutic and Adaptive Horsemanship — A Practical Guide

Updated: June 2026 · Guidance information.

Therapeutic and adapted riding encompasses modalities where the horse is used as a tool to improve the quality of life for people with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities, as well as individuals with specific rehabilitation or developmental needs. In Spain, there have been specialized centers for decades, and the discipline is increasingly recognized.

Modalities within the concept

Hippotherapy

A neurophysiological treatment that utilizes the horse's three-dimensional movement at a walk to stimulate the patient's nervous system. The user sits on the horse (sometimes with assistance) and the horse's movement works on their body. Primary application: people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Therapeutic Riding

The practice of horseback riding adapted for people with disabilities. The user learns to ride following adapted techniques. Application: people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning difficulties, behavioral problems.

Adapted Sport Riding

Competitive riding for people with physical disabilities. The Para-Equestrian discipline exists at an Olympic level (Paralympic Games) in dressage, driving, and other modalities. Categories Grade I-V according to degree of disability.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

A psychological modality where the horse is used in sessions without necessarily being ridden. Application in therapies for emotional problems, anxiety, depression, trauma. Usually coordinated by a psychologist.

Therapeutic Vaulting

Gymnastic exercises on the horse at a walk, assisted by an instructor. Works on balance, coordination, self-esteem, and social skills.

Documented Benefits

Benefits vary depending on the modality and individual case. Some effects observed in scientific literature:

Physical Benefits

Improved muscle tone and posture.
Greater balance and coordination.
Stimulation of proprioception.
Improved joint mobility.
Reduction of spasticity in some cases.

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Improved attention and concentration.
Increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
Reduction of anxiety.
Integrated sensory stimulation.
Development of social skills.

Social Benefits

Integration into group activity.
Emotional bond with the horse.
Relationship with instructors and other users.
Sense of personal achievement.

The Horse in Therapeutic Riding

Horses used in therapy require specific characteristics:

Very stable and predictable temperament.
Tolerance to noises, strange movements from the rider, adapted equipment.
Size appropriate to the profile of the center's users.
Regular gaits, especially a very stable walk.
Excellent health, without pathologies that limit use.
Regular work to maintain physical condition.

Not all horses are suitable. The selection and training of therapeutic horses takes time and experience. Some centers train their own horses for years before incorporating them into sessions.

Professionals Involved

Therapeutic riding sessions usually require the coordination of several professionals:

Doctor or rehabilitator. Prescribes the medical treatment.
Physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Defines treatment goals and strategy.
Therapeutic riding instructor. Leads the session on the horse.
Assistants. Support the horse when the user cannot hold themselves independently.
Psychologist or pedagogue. In assisted therapy modalities with an emotional or cognitive focus.

Centers in Spain

Spain has a significant network of therapeutic riding centers:

Fundación CRECER (Madrid, Valencia, and other provinces).
Centro de Equitación Terapéutica Fundación Nido Águila.
Asociación Catalana de Equitación Terapéutica.
Asociación Andaluza de Equitación Terapéutica.
Cinetic equino (various provinces).
Multiple municipal or private centers in practically all provinces.

The Spanish Federation of Adapted and Therapeutic Riding (FEEAT) or equivalent structures can provide guidance on accredited centers in each area.

How to Get Started

If you want to be a therapeutic riding user

Consult with your primary medical or rehabilitation team to see if it is indicated.
Identify nearby centers with specifically trained professionals.
Visit the center, get to know the facilities and horses.
Initial evaluation session.
Session plan with defined objectives.

If you want to train as a professional

There are different levels of training:

Introductory courses lasting several weeks.
Specific university master's degrees.
International training (HETI - Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International).
Combination with equestrian instructor qualification plus specific courses.

If you have a center and want to incorporate the modality

Requires specific staff training, adaptation of facilities (ramps, supports, accessible arena), selection of suitable horses, and usually certification or accreditation.

Adapted Equipment

Some specific elements of therapeutic riding:

Adapted saddles. With lateral supports, front handle, adjustments for better rider support.
Special stirrups. Closed, with a wide tread, with systems to prevent the foot from getting stuck.
Girths with handles. For assistants to stabilize the user.
Adapted bridles. Usually bitless or with very soft bits.
Adapted helmets. With closure systems that facilitate a secure fit.
Loading platforms. For access by people with reduced mobility.

Cost and Access

Therapeutic riding session costs vary widely depending on the center and modality:

Individual sessions: €25-80 depending on the center.
Group sessions: €15-40.
Annual or semi-annual programs with discounts.

In Spain, some regional disability services or associations themselves may offer subsidies, scholarships, or agreed programs that facilitate access.

What Therapeutic Riding IS NOT

It is not a miracle cure. The effects are progressive and depend on the case.
It does not replace conventional medical treatment.
It's not just "going for a ride on a horse." Sessions have defined therapeutic objectives.
It does not work equally well in all cases. Each person responds differently.