Empowering Students Through Horseback Riding Therapy

Students at High Road School of the Quad Cities are gaining confidence, independence, and real-world skills through a unique partnership with New Kingdom Trailriders. Through weekly one-hour therapeutic horseback riding sessions, students with disabilities are learning more than just how to ride a horse, they’re practicing focus, direction-following, motor skills, and emotional regulation.

According to Claudeen Nellis-Engler, Clinical Director at the school, the experience goes beyond the arena: “They’re able to basically learn how to steer and how to stop and how to go, and all of those skills translate into the classroom as well.” Monika Murphy, Program Director at New Kingdom Trailriders, added, “When they get on that horse, they kind of just relax… it’s a moment of ‘I’m big, I’m bold, I can do this.’”

The joy and confidence students experience while riding helps foster independence and self-belief, skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. Be sure to watch the full video below to see these incredible moments in action.

See original FOX 18 KLJB Story Here