Therapeutic riding is a holistic experience, impacting a person's physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Physically, the rhythmic motion of a horse's gait mimics the way humans walk, offering disabled riders the freedom to move without the help of a wheelchair, often for the first time.

Additionally, therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development. Psychologically, it's empowering for the rider to be able to work alongside a 1,000-pound animal with a few commands and a tug on the reins. The experience helps increase the rider's confidence, self-esteem, and independence.