(click on a link below for more information on each program)
Methow Valley Special Riders - Horsemanship Lessons - Volunteer Enrichment - HOSS
Vaulting - Educational Field Trips and Special Outings - Sport Riding

Methow Valley Special Riders
Weekly therapeutic horsemanship classes are offered for children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional impairments. These individuals participate in various equine related activities including grooming, tacking-up, horseback riding, vaulting and driving, in order to address specific educational, developmental, and therapeutic goals. These classes take place under the direction of a certified therapeutic riding instructor, with assistance from community volunteers, in consultation with the appropriate health and educational professionals.

Horsemanship Lessons Group English and Western horsemanship lessons are available to individuals of all ages and abilities. Certified instructors and well trained horses teach all levels of horsemanship, emphasizing excellent fundamentals built on a relationship of respect and understanding between horse and horseman. While stressing SAFETY first, we tailor instruction to individual needs and desires. MVRU also offers specialized instruction in dressage, jumping, trail work and ranch work

Volunteer Enrichment
Volunteers are essential to the Special Riders Program, especially for leading the horses and supporting the riders. Orientation, training, and ongoing educational workshops are offered in order to develop skilled volunteers and facilitate the goals of the therapeutic horsemanship classes. Instruction is provided in the areas of horsemanship, handicapped awareness, learning styles and education, communication, and therapeutic horsemanship


Horsemanship Opportunities for Special Service (HOSS)
This program for young people is dedicated to promoting positive self-image and lasting relationships through quality horsemanship and community service. Community youth and teens who may be at-risk participate in a unique combination of horsemanship instruction and volunteer training in order to experience the freedom and empowerment of horseback riding, the satisfaction of giving of oneself to others, and the sense of belonging and self-worth gained by being part of the HOSS team. Respectful, caring relationships are fostered between participants, Special Riders, horses, staff, community volunteers, and the natural environment.

Vaulting An integrated vaulting program is available for beginner riders and individuals who do not have the physical, mental, or emotional abilities required to control their own horse and ride independently. This includes young children of pre-school age, individuals with certain mental, physical, and learning disabilities, and at-risk youth. Exercises and gymnastics on horseback are used to promote balance and coordination, increase self-esteem, and initiate teamwork and cooperative social interaction. Vaulting demonstrations may be used for educational and publicity purposes.

Educational Field Trips and Special Outings A combination of Methow Valley Riding Unlimited programs will provide horsemanship experiences for groups of individuals unable to participate in other riding programs. This program is intended to be an introductory educational and recreational experience for pre-school and school age children, health impaired individuals, the elderly, youth from correctional facilities, and other people with special needs. This program includes Let ‘em Ride – our Partnership with the Public School Funding Alliance and the Methow Valley Public Schools. Emphasis of the outings will be the appreciation of nature and the human-animal bond.