The accepting nature and biddable personality of the horse encourages riders to test the limits of their abilities and learn to make good choices under the guidance of qualified Instructors. 

When a rider has a successful riding lesson; they feel good mentally because they have accomplished a task and are in harmony with their horse; when they maintain their balance with good alignment and have the horse execute their moves while sitting at the walk, trot and canter, the rider achieves physical benefits. We look forward to offering our riders an opportunity to do something athletic; which like any sport would require them to have good balance, muscle strength and coordination. Riding can be an individual endeavor or in a group which makes it also a social experience. The participants that we seek to offer services to would come to us with a variety of abilities that can be addressed with Equine Assisted Activities, which is a riding lesson that combines teaching horsemanship skills with an emphasis on improving confidence and self esteem. The discipline associated with working with horses and the social interactions between peers benefit the mind and spirit, raise self-esteem, and increase self-sufficiency through accomplishment. The unconditional love of the horse is proven to reduce anxiety, encourage interaction and offer a haven where riders can feel a sense of empowerment. Programs are conducted by instructors nationally registered by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and nearly 150 trained volunteers.

Classes take place in an environment that focuses on the rider’s ability rather than disability. Our clients are typically referred by physicians, schools and therapists. Most clients participate in the program once a week for a 60-minute class. Classes are private, semi-private or group. Classes are offered in 5 six-week sessions between March and November. Most clients participate in our program over several years. A few of our clients have been with Lothlorien since it opened over 25 years ago. Meeting our clients’ needs takes teamwork. Our staff, our volunteers, and especially our horses all work together to meet the unique needs of our very special clients. The small miracles that happen everyday at Lothlorien are attributed to the dedication and commitment of our over 150 volunteers.  

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Last year Lothlorien logged over 3,000 volunteer hours, not including fundraising and events.  We are proud of our affiliation with local colleges such as Buffalo State and D’Youville. Each year Lothlorien is clinic host to “Intro to Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy,” a course offered to third and fourth year physical therapy students from D’Youville College.

In 2008 Lothlorien provided more than 1650 hours of riding lessons in 30 weeks. During our busiest sessions, we serve over 90 clients each week. Our clients range in age from 3 to 70 years of age. Over 70% are under the age of 21, and 51% of those clients are children under the age of 12.l