Assisting individuals to develop their highest potential through therapeutically based equine activities
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Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center was established in 1983 to provide therapeutic riding opportunities for individuals of all ages with mental, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Since 1986, Lothlorien has owned and operated our present facility which includes a 16 stall horse barn, outdoor sand ring, two hay sheds, classroom, office and stable manager’s residence. Through the years our goal has been to expand our programs to meet the growing needs and number of clients in the community we serve. Our horses are selected for soundness, temperament, willingness and attitude. We use a basic horsemanship approach when working with them, and all of our horses are gentle, responsive and safe for young people to both ride and work with on the ground. Click title to view |
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15 Reiter Road East Aurora, New York 14052 Tel. (716) 655-1335  |
Our herd consists of 5 Quarter horse crosses, 1 Draft cross, 2 Welsh ponies, 1 Paint horses, 1 Quarter horse, 2 Miniature horses and 1 Haflinger. All horses and students are matched in terms of personality and ability. Through our horse sponsorship program we are able to keep riders paired with the same horses throughout their many years of participation in the program enabling the horse to essentially become the rider’s therapist
By offering special, individualized instruction, we will help these individuals improve their physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills. The horse’s soothing rhythm, strength, warmth, and three dimensional movement pattern provide healthy exercise while improving circulation and muscle tone. 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 200 trained volunteers.
The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association as a form of therapy that can change lives – strengthen bodies and minds, and offer lifelong opportunities for recreation and well-being. 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 24 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 250 volunteers. Last year Lothlorien logged over 7,000 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 2004 Lothlorien provided more than 2,700 hours of riding lessons in 30 weeks. During our busiest sessions, we serve over 100 clients each week, offering a variety of programs that use the horse as the primary tool for therapy and therapeutic services. Our clients range in age from 3 to 60 years of age. Over 70% are under the age of 21, and 51% of those clients are children under the age of 12.
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