Equine Assisted Services

Equine Assisted Services are beneficial to all ages of participants with special physical, cognitive, sensory, learning, social and/or emotional needs. Therapeutic riding lessons are taught by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Certified Instructors in a safe, natural outdoor setting providing appropriate sensory input and a healthy environment.

Winter Session runs October 29 - December 12 with no classes Thanksgiving week.

Intake Evaluations are required for new participants. All forms for all participants listed below are due before participating.

Contact us or submit an application to be alerted of our 2025 session schedule. Registrations for each session are due 4 weeks ahead of sessions.

Our Programs

Goals are developed and skills are taught to carry over into the daily lives of participants. Equine Assisted Services are offered by Rhythms of Grace professionals who partner with horses to help people via horsemanship, learning and therapy. We offer three different programs through our Equine Assisted Services.

Ready to Apply?

Paperwork must be submitted annually prior to participation.

  1. Submit the Rhythms of Grace Session Registration Form and annual $35 registration fee. New participants will pay $75 for an intake evaluation and registration fee.

  2. Submit the Participant Application including the a) Medical and Client History Forms and b) the Physician Forms. These forms MUST BE SUBMITTED prior to participation. The medical and physician forms will need to be printed, then mailed or emailed to our office. Call 515-305-7361 with questions. You may also download this Physician Form to print and take to your physician for completion.

  3. New Participants may schedule a Participant Tour during session hours as it may help you evaluate the benefits of therapy and therapeutic riding.

  4. You will be notified of session date openings.

  • Therapeutic riding builds strength and confidence. Riders develop independence, empathy, safety, decision-making and a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills that impact their daily lives through customized lesson plans. It’s beneficial to individuals and groups with a variety of special needs, conditions, diagnosis and/or disabilities.

  • Equine-assisted learning is useful for education. Participants learn general equine knowledge, horse behavior, communication, empathy and other social skills by interacting with horses from the ground. The horse helps teach relationship life skills such as trust, respect, honesty and communication. This is offered to groups and individuals and is often incorporated directly into horsemanship lessons.

  • Licensed therapists use equines to support counseling, occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology and psychotherapy. Specific therapies, treatments or interventions may incorporate horse movement or the horse’s environment to address medical, cognitive, or behavioral health conditions as part of the individualized plan of care.