Riders begin their journey at Hearts TRC with an initial evaluation to determine their abilities, strengths, and modality of learning (auditory, visual, hands on). From there, our staff will assign a specific horse according to size and motion that best suit the needs of the rider and will determine the number of volunteers that are needed to assist the rider. A lesson day and time is given and the student is paired with an instructor and their team of volunteers.
The Hearts TRC instructors set individual goals for each rider, which are met in weekly lessons to improve posture, balance, focus, concentration, and life skills. Outcomes have shown that through the teaching of horsemanship skills astride, in the barn, and in ground lessons, the individual’s quality of life can improve at home, in school, and the workplace.
In addition to weekly private and group lessons, Hearts TRC has a curriculum for school, community, and at-risk groups. This curriculum meets educational standards and provides a unique way to learn educational skills outside the classroom.
Hearts TRC also offers a Horses for Heroes program. This free program is designed for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first- responders and allows them to experience the healing benefit of horses through activities in the saddle and on the ground.