This is the mission of Greener Pastures Therapeutic Riding Center. Personal strengths are emphasized while physical, mental, and emotional disabilities are offset through the association with the horse. Equine therapy uses the movement and heat of a horse to facilitate the therapy process. Greener Pastures is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of children and adults by providing Hippotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Greener Pastures is also committed to providing education to its clients, their families, and members of the community in regard to health awareness, health screenings, and various counseling options available. The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding experience physical, emotional, and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional handicaps, the unique relationship with the horse can lead to patience, confidence, and self esteem.

What is Greener Pastures?

Greener Pastures Therapeutic Riding Center is sponsored by Mission Bay Equestrian Center, a 17-acre state-of-the art facility in southwestern Palm Bay. Greener Pastures is tied to the dynamic growth of the Palm Bay area and plans to expand its facilities to continue to attract and maintain an experienced full-time operational staff. Greener Pastures has the ability to serve not only the current therapeutic needs of children and adults, but has plans for future expansion. As an affiliate of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), Greener Pastures adheres to NARHA standards and guidelines to promote a safe, quality, therapeutic riding program. Since 1969, NARHA has helped therapeutic riding programs flourish throughout the country. The non-profit association comprises over 700 riding centers throughout the world. NARHA administers a certification program for riding instructors and provides guidelines for selecting riders who are suitable and appropriate for therapeutic riding activities.

Current Programs: Therapeutic Riding Incorporating the physical benefits with the emotional gains achieved by the riders, therapeutic horseback riding is an all-encompassing therapeutic activity. Goals, objectives, and social benefits are met through the use of the horse and interaction with fellow riders. Games on horseback teach the rider to follow directions and develop fine motor control. They also serve to lengthen attention span while granting a feeling of accomplishment and improving self esteem. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool to promote emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed mental health therapist and an equine professional. Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns.

Future Programs:

Hippotherapy Hippotherapy is a therapeutic treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse to facilitate speech, occupational, and physical therapy. The word originates from the Greek word hippos, which means horse. Riding helps develop trunk stability and strengthens abdominal and back muscles. It creates pelvic motion and posterior pelvic tilt, improves head stability, and can strengthen and stretch arms and legs. Working with a horse on the ground helps develop self-care skills such as grooming, dressing, and feeding. While strengthening limbs and facilitating standing balance, Hippotherapy also helps increase assertiveness and planning actions. All Hippotherapy sessions are one-on-one between the client and a certified therapist.

Greener Pastures is a volunteer-based non-profit organization. Opportunities for involvement include working with horses and/or therapy clients, maintenance, office support, and special events committees.

Whatever your interest and talent, it can be put to good use at Greener Pastures!