ASC’s Adaptive Horseback Riding Program Summer 2010

Your day will begin with an 8:30 a.m. departure for the beautiful Cochetopa Hide-A-Way in Gunnison County, Colorado. Upon arriving to the ranch you will be given a short ranch safety talk and an introduction to the facilities and animals. We will teach you about the herd and how to identify and groom the horses.

Once the horses are saddled, we will go for a ride in the arena and possibly a trail ride off the property. Lunch is included in the day’s adventure and there will also be time to take a hike, help in the garden, play with the animals, or learn roping skills. You will arrive back in Crested Butte at 3:30 p.m. All ages and ability levels welcome. $160/person for a full day of ranch activities and horseback riding.

Please contact the Adaptive Sports Center at 970-349-2296 or info@adaptivesports.org for more information or reservations.

Join us this summer for horseback riding lessons designed for local and visiting children with and without disabilities! Students will learn horsemanship and riding skills. Beginner to intermediate; call for details for more advance riding lessons. No gear necessary, but closed toed shoes and pants are mandatory.

Ages 5 years or old and up

Session One
June 15
June 22
June 29
July 6

Session Two
July 19
July 26
August 10
August 17


$35/person for a private lesson or $25/person (for up to four participants; at the discretion of the ASC.) Lessons are one hour long and may be scheduled between 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Located at the Gunnison Fairgrounds, Gunnison Colorado

Please contact the Adaptive Sports Center at 970-349-2296 or info@adaptivesports.org for more information or reservations.

What can the adaptive horseback riding program do for you?
The use of horses in an adaptive setting is a natural fit. It has been proven through various research studies that companion animals (including horses) have strong healing and therapeutic benefits that are not limited to an adaptive population. Not only can horse increases access for many of our clientele, but according to the American Hippotherapy Association Inc, it improves balance, motor skills, posture and over-all emotional well being. The horse’s gait actually simulates the human walk, engaging many muscles throughout the body. Increased coordination, body awareness, better joint mobility, and improved focus and attention span are other attributes of regular horseback riding. In addition, there have been many testimonials of increased confidence and self-esteem as a result of adaptive riding lessons. The bond that forms quickly between a human and a horse can remain with one forever. Horses are amazing creature that we can learn to care for and work with to accomplish a goal. As humans, we learn to trust and respect them while they gain trust and confidence in us.

What can participants expect?
First and foremost, participants learn how to behave around the animals and how to read their body language. They will learn horsemanship skills including brushing, saddling and leading the horses. While riding the horse, participants will learn to control the horse by both increasing and decreasing the horse’s pace, steering the horse while following patterns and playing games.

What should I wear?
Please wear a sturdy shoe with a heel and long pants -usually blue jeans- and a comfortable shirt. Sneakers are not recommended and open-toed shoes are NOT ALLOWED. Many new riders like to wear cycling shorts under their blue jeans for added comfort. Helmets will be worn while riding but a hat with a visor is a good idea. Finally, sunscreen, water and a rain coat are always good things to have when you are in the outdoors.