Therapeutic Riding in MA area and some general ?s

[Rikerkv6]

Hi All,

I am hoping someone here can help put me in touch with some TR programs in or around the eastern MA area (would prefer 1-2 hr drive). I am looking to place a fantastic horse who I think would really excel at the job to an interested facility. Of course we all have heard the horror stories but I know of a lot of great places as well. Since I didn't grow up in the area, I am not sure what places are reputable around me. Any suggestions are welcome!

Secondly the horse in question is 15.3 maybe 16 hands. I know most programs prefer a shorter horse to walk next to. Do any programs accept taller horses? He fits every other criteria (tolerant, begginer safe, bomproof, etc).

Thanks in advance!

[Guin]

There is Lovelane in Weston. http://www.lovelane.org/ I believe it is well-regarded.

[randomequine]

The center I work at has everything from tiny ponies to tall warmblood-types. Mind you, the center gives regular riding lessons as well, but that's beside the point. I would talk to the center(s) itself -- find out what they're looking for. We have several students who don't need sidewalkers, and therefore could ride a taller horse....it's all in the clientele!

[chai]

Sent you a pm. I know of two great places. If you go for a NARHA Program, look for a Premiere Accredited Program. To receive that designation, the program must undergo an intense inspection from a NARHA inspector which includes written documentation about the care of the horses.

[skykingismybaby1]

Check the NARHA site

http://www.narha.org/Centers/FindCenter2.asp

They have a nifty tool to locate NARHA accredited sites state by state. Depending on the program they may have a need for a larger horse. I taught a lot of kids who were able to ride independently and a larger horse was great. We even had some kids to progressed to jumping! Special Olympics may also have a need. They hold great shows here in NJ, but they usually work through riding centers. I would expect a program to request a rather long trial period........are you willing to do that?

[Karma]

I second the suggestion to look for a NARHA premiere accredited site as those are the only centers that receive a site visit.

[skykingismybaby1]

Annual site visits!! From program documentation to horse care and fencing condition. It is quite the long list to be an accredited NARHA site.

[Rikerkv6]

Thanks all for the great leads and advice so far. I am very excited at the prospect of my boy having a job again and being able to help others! It appears there are several Premiere Accredited programs in my area so I will definitely be contacting them. Additional reccomendations are welcome! Feel free to PM me if you aren't confortable posting :)

[Nemo]

Equest Therapeutic Riding Center in Lyman, Maine