Programs and Services

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity designed for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities.  This valuable service is provided on a weekly basis at no cost to the participating families.
​
​Riders are accepted into the program based on an individual assessment to ensure safety and a proper method of assistance.  The minimum age of acceptance into the program is four years old.  There is no maximum age for services at Savannah Station TRP, as long as the participant has no physical or medical limitations that would make riding unadvisable.

​​At Savannah Station TRP, we currently focus on diagnosed cognitive and physical disabilities, with future plans to develop programs in other areas that equine-assisted activities have been proven to aide.​

"Savannah Station is more than just therapy for our students.  It's a relationship between the rider, the volunteers and the horses.  No other therapy students receive has this type of bond.  The educational value is immense.  I've observed non-verbal students give the horse and handlers verbal commands to stop and go.  I've watched parents literally cry because their child makes measurable progress both physically and cognitively.  I couldn't be more happy with our partnership."
​
Craig McVay, Superintendent,
El Reno Public Schools, Retired 2022.

How to Apply

Participant Application

​Qualification Requirements:
- Four years old or older
- Have a diagnosed cognitive or physical
   special need.
- Be under a weight of 185 pounds
​
Currently, Savannah Station does have a waiting list.  To get your child on the waiting list please complete and send in the Participant Application.  We will be in contact with you to ensure that our program is appropriate for the applicant  and that there are no limitations to participation in mounted equestrian activities.  

Be a Trail Blazer!
Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Groundwork Class for SENIORS.

Focus: Strength Building, Flexibility, Friendships and Memory Retention.  A new weekly class begins in the Spring.
​Thursdays, March 23 - April 27 
$15 per class
Ages - 75 and above.
- Limited number of participants
- Participants will need to have a medical
  release and paperwork before/on
the first day of class.
- Please have weight under 185 pounds 
- You will be getting onto the horse from a
​   ramp with support.

Program Schedule

2023 Spring Class Schedule
Classes are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Morning and evening classes are offered on those days.
​January 17    First Week of Spring Session 
March 14-16  Spring Break
May 2-4         Achievement Week and Last Week
                       of Spring Session

How​ Therapeutic Riding Works:

Therapeutic riding has proven to be valuable in producing physical, cognitive, social, and educational benefits.
How does it work? Horses have a calming effect on those who spend time in their presence. The interaction with the horse as a non-judgmental partner produces great self-confidence.  The swinging gait of the horse is very similar to the human gait, which provides the rider with a unique sense of walking. The side to side movement of the horse keeps the rider constantly adjusting to keep their center of gravity.  Movements of the horse benefit the rider’s balance, strength, posture and mobility.  In addition, children with cognitive disabilities, learning disorders and speech impairments often experience breakthroughs during or following their time spent with the horse.

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:

• Promotes Strength
• Increases Flexibility
• Develops Balance
• Improves Coordination
• Helps Breathing
• Improves Coping Skills
• Builds Self-Confidence
• Improves Social Skills