Loudoun Therapeutic Riding

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Founded in 1974, LTR was the original pilot program for therapeutic riding in Virginia. Off the horse, programs also improves self-awareness and self-image.

- Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Intl. Premier Accredited Center, was formed in 1974 to empower and improve the lives of people with cognitive, psychological and physical disabilities through the benefits of equine assisted activities and therapies.

- Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) are widely recognized as being an effective therapy for

people with disabilities. Horseback riding develops self-awareness, builds self-confidence, improves concentration and increases self-discipline. Riding also strengthens and relaxes muscles; improves posture and core strength, balance and coordination; and increases joint mobility. Working towards these goals carries over into improved function in all activities of daily living.

- Our PATH Intl. certified instructors are specially trained in teaching methods that use equine assisted activities to assist people with physical, cognitive, behavioral and mental health challenges to learn horsemanship skills and benefit from the equine partnership.

- Programs: Throughout continuing eight-week sessions skills are developed which address each participant's specific challenges.

-For riders with physical disabilities, the horse's motion closely replicates the human gait as they sit astride the horse's back at walk, thus helping to improve the rider's posture, joint mobility, balance, and core muscle strength.

-For participants with cognitive or emotional challenges the relationships formed with the horse, staff and volunteers can lead to increased self-confidence, patience and self-esteem.

-Other goals include improved concentration, attention to task and enhance functional life skills.

- Our horses and ponies are partners in our programming and are carefully screened and trained to assure suitability. Adaptive equipment is used if necessary for a rider to safely participate, and an PATH Intl. certified instructor is present for all activities involving riders. The emphasis of LTR programs, which includes adaptive riding/horsemanship and carriage driving, is to provide a highly motivating experience that promotes these therapeutic benefits and an overall improved quality of life in a safe and supportive environment.

- Hippotherapy, added in 2010, is a treatment intervention that uses the multidimensional movement of a horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which literally means horse. Specially trained, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction.

- Volunteers: Volunteers are the backbone of the program and act as pony handlers, side-walkers, and grooms. Volunteers also assist in many other ways including fund-raising and development efforts. Three volunteer orientation/training sessions are held each year to ensure well-trained and efficient volunteer staff as safety is a primary consideration. Up to three volunteers may be needed for one rider. Parents of riders often contribute time as volunteers.

- LTR relies on the generous support of private donors, and corporate and foundation grants. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation!

We are excited & proud to share that LTR has been granted the EQUUS Foundation Mentor status again in 2025! "The Mentor ...
06/11/2025

We are excited & proud to share that LTR has been granted the EQUUS Foundation Mentor status again in 2025! "The Mentor Accreditation is awarded annually to an organization that operates at the highest standards for business and equine welfare practices, has been the recipient of an EQUUS Foundation grant for a minimum of two consecutive years, and meets the EQUUS Foundation guidelines for business and equine welfare practices."
Thank you to the EQUUS Foundation for their ongoing advocacy work for the Love of Horses!

Spectacular week at the Upperville Horse Show!  So proud of our riders Tatum and Emmalynn, our amazing staff and trusty ...
06/08/2025

Spectacular week at the Upperville Horse Show! So proud of our riders Tatum and Emmalynn, our amazing staff and trusty steeds Yogi and Reilly! Teamwork makes the dream work! Honored to be back at the Upperville Horse Show— LTR was the first therapeutic riding program to demonstrate at the show in the 1970s. Thank you to Emily Day and Leslie Kopp for coordinating the exhibition.

Come see us at Upperville on Saturday as Yogi and Reilly make their debut with Emmalynn and Tatum.  Join us at 2:30 at t...
06/05/2025

Come see us at Upperville on Saturday as Yogi and Reilly make their debut with Emmalynn and Tatum. Join us at 2:30 at the Parker Ring to watch.

🌈 Therapeutic Riding Celebration 🌟
Join us on Saturday afternoon in the Parker Ring for one of the most inspiring events of the week!

We're honored to welcome riders from:
🐴 Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center- Equine Therapy for Children & Adults
🐴 Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center
🐴 Cloverleaf Equine Center
🐴 Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
🐴 Wheatland Farm Para-Equestrian

Come cheer on these incredible equestrians as they demonstrate the power of partnership, perseverance, and the healing bond between horse and rider.

Wonderful piece on our Equine Services for Heroes program.  Happy Memorial Day.
05/26/2025

Wonderful piece on our Equine Services for Heroes program. Happy Memorial Day.

A unique form of therapy is offering hope and healing to military veterans struggling with PTSD.

Celebrate Memorial Day with a couple of our veterans from our Equine Services for Heroes program.
05/26/2025

Celebrate Memorial Day with a couple of our veterans from our Equine Services for Heroes program.

A unique form of therapy is offering hope and healing to military veterans struggling with PTSD.

Address

14490 Berlin Tpke
Lovettsville, VA
20180

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17037712689

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