Equine Therapy Horse Training

Our Equine Therapy Horse Training Process
Led by Patrick Potter, Certified PATH International Instructor

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At Potter Ranch, we specialize in the development and training of therapy horses, carefully preparing them to work in therapeutic programs that serve individuals in recovery, behavioral health, and other therapeutic environments. The training process ensures each horse possesses the necessary temperament, skills, and adaptability to provide a safe and healing experience for their riders and handlers.

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The Training Process

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1. Evaluation and Selection

   • Not every horse is suited for therapy work. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to assess the horse’s temperament, health, and suitability for equine therapy.

   • Horses must exhibit patience, calmness, and an ability to adapt to new situations. Traits such as responsiveness, trust, and sensitivity are prioritized.

2. Groundwork Training

   • Horses are introduced to essential groundwork, including desensitization to various sounds, sights, and touches they will encounter in therapy settings.

   • Groundwork emphasizes trust-building and teaches the horse to remain calm and responsive under pressure.

3. Exposure to Therapeutic Equipment

   • Therapy horses are acclimated to specific equipment used in therapeutic settings, such as wheelchairs, walkers, mounting ramps, and adaptive saddles.

   • Gradual exposure ensures they remain comfortable and steady when working alongside individuals with varying physical, emotional, or mental needs.

4. Behavioral Training

   • Horses are taught to respond gently and consistently to handlers and riders. Special focus is placed on patience, non-reactivity, and steady pacing to ensure safety and predictability.

   • Through repetition and trust-building, the horse learns to provide a steady presence for therapeutic clients.

5. Real-Life Simulation

   • Horses are exposed to real-world therapy scenarios to prepare them for actual sessions. This includes role-playing exercises with simulated clients of various ages, abilities, and emotional states.

   • They learn to adapt to calm, supportive energy while responding to cues from instructors and handlers.

6. Health, Fitness, and Continued Care

   • Physical health is critical to a therapy horse's success. Horses undergo regular veterinary check-ups, nutritional assessments, and conditioning exercises to ensure their long-term well-being.

   • Ongoing mental stimulation and gentle reinforcement keep the horse engaged and responsive in their role.

7. Final Certification

   • Before being introduced into a therapeutic program, each horse undergoes a final evaluation to ensure they meet all criteria for safety, reliability, and suitability. Horses trained at Potter Ranch are ready to provide consistent, compassionate support in equine therapy settings.

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Why Choose Potter Ranch for Therapy Horse Training?

• Certified Expertise: Pat Potter, a Certified PATH International Instructor, brings passion, dedication and over 30 years of addiction recovery experience and proven methods to training horses for therapy work.

• A Focus on Quality: We prioritize the horse’s well-being and individual temperament to ensure they excel in their role.

• Tailored Programs: Whether you’re looking to train your own horse or purchase a fully trained therapy horse, we customize the process to meet your specific goal.​​

 

At Potter Ranch, we believe that great therapy horses are created through trust, patience, and skilled training. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bring equine-assisted therapy to life.