Our programs are designed to utilize the power of the human-horse connection to meet the needs of individuals and groups. Lessons and classes are facilitated by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Certified Instructors and PATH Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning (ESHML) to inspire emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth through engaging activities with horses.

If you have questions about participating in our programs, please call or email ride@palstherapy.org.

ADAPTIVE RIDING AND GROUND LESSONS


Horses are herd animals that interact with each other. You will see elements of communication, trust, respect, boundaries, relationships, and leadership within a herd. Being in the presence of horses gives us an opportunity to learn important life lessons from them.

 

PALS provides adaptive riding and ground lessons for children and adults with physical, developmental, learning or emotional differences. Our Adaptive Program  is available for individual or group lessons. All participants in our Adaptive Program must have an official diagnosis from a physician or must be included in one of the following populations:

  • Veteran/First Responder
  • At-Risk Youth/Foster Child
  • Individuals prescribed EAS for addiction recovery
  • 55+ Year Old Community Members 

 

To inquire about adaptive lessons, send us an email at ride@palstherapy.org.

All potential clients will have an Evaluation with one of our PATH Intl. Certified Instructors to determine goals, expectations, and safety and health needs. Our Program Director will also determine whether mounted or ground lessons will be the best option for each client.*

 

*A client may be assigned ground lessons if they:

  • Exceed PALS weight limit for mounted activities
  • Have a diagnosis that may restrict the individual from mounted activities
  • May be nervous about riding a horse

RECREATIONAL RIDING AND GROUND LESSONS


PALS provides recreational lessons for individuals who are interested in developing their equestrian skills and knowledge. Time is devoted to equine care, safety, and horsemanship to ensure a well-rounded experience. 

Recreational lessons are available as mounted or ground lessons. Lessons can be scheduled for individuals or groups.

All registered clients at PALS who do not have an official diagnosis from a physician are considered “recreational” clients unless actively participating in a specific PALS program through an outside organization. While we prioritize our adaptive lessons, we do offer a limited number of lessons for recreational riders. 

To inquire about recreational lessons, email us at ride@palstherapy.org.

CHANGING LEADS CLASS

Horses have the ability to teach us to build trusting relationships and control impulses.


PALS has partnered with Indiana Center for Recovery, Amethyst House, and Centerstone to provide classes for individuals on their journey to addiction recovery.

Emerging research shows that horses can play an important role in addiction recovery. While working with horses, participants are able to learn to build trusting relationships, control impulses, and receive and reflect on the immediate feedback from the horse. Through this process, individuals learn more about themselves and how their actions affect others.

Changing Lead classes are ground group sessions offered in partnership with local recovery organizations. 

If you are an individual who falls into this population, contact us about individualized adaptive lessons. 

If you are an organization that would like to partner with PALS, reach out to us and we would love to discuss the possibility of developing a class for your program.

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Bloomington for the Impact Grant that has allowed us to partner with Amethyst House and Centerstone!

EQUIPT CLASS

 


PALS partners with Centerstone and similar organizations to provide classes for at-risk youth to develop social-emotional skills. Horses provide an environment  for participants to develop leadership skills and trust, and learn how to set boundaries and overcome challenges.  

Our EQUIPT classes are ground group sessions offered in partnership with local youth organizations. 

If you are an individual who is included in this population, contact us about individualized adaptive lessons.

If you are a youth or family services organization that would like to partner with PALS, reach out to us. We would love to discuss the possibility of developing a class for your program.

 

SILVER SPURS 

ON HOLD – Contact us for Summer Session Schedule! 

Horses provide a sense of community. Time with them can improve joy and motivation.


Our Silver Spurs class was created for our 55+ year-old community members to participate in unmounted equine activities. Participants will learn about horsemanship and how to groom their horses. Classes will begin with 15 minutes of a group educational topic such as how to read horse body language or how to horses communicate with us and each other. Participants will then enjoy 15 minutes of horse grooming and 30 minutes of horsemanship work in our arena!

Thanks to a generous donation, we are able to offer this class at a reduced rate of $10/person per session! This is an open group class for individuals. Space is limited to 10 participants per week. Registration for each weekly class closes 48 hours before class time. Email us by Saturday at noon each week to sign up!

If you are a retirement center or organization and you would like to partner with PALS, reach out to us. We would love to discuss the possibility of developing a class for your program.

 

 

VETERANS PROGRAM

Horses inspire healing, reintegration, and improved quality of life.


Horses and soldiers have a long history together, from the horse’s first use in warfare to its more recent use as a recreational wellness partner. 

PALS offers ground and riding classes to veterans and first responders. We offer this program in an environment that is conducive to healing, reintegration, and improved quality of life. Additionally, our veterans classes are a place to develop a community based on shared experiences.

Veterans classes can be mounted or ground group sessions. 

There is currently a veteran’s group that meets on Saturdays at 1pm.

Individuals interested in participating in a Veterans class should email us!

If you are a veteran or first responder interested in individual lessons, contact us about participating in our Adaptive Program. 

All veterans are encouraged to follow the steps to receive funding through the Wounded Warrior Project. Contact us for more information about this process!