Our Programs
At Dueker Ranch we offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of our clients that are always offered free of charge.
Utilizing specially trained horses, our instructors and community volunteers serve participants of all ages and backgrounds and enable them to learn horsemanship, riding skills, and build horse and human relationships through therapy.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is conducted by Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists who have achieved at minimum a Level One Certification through the American Hippotherapy Association. These therapists understand the three-dimensional gait of the horse and how to appropriately and safely apply this knowledge to achieve individualized therapy goals. Participants as young as three can benefit from Hippotherapy.
Did you know that ‘hippos’ is the Greek word for horse? Hippotherapy literally means ‘horse therapy’.
Adaptive Riding &
Adaptive Horsemanship
The Adaptive Riding (often called Therapeutic Riding) and Adaptive Horsemanship program at Dueker Ranch focuses on teaching riding and horsemanship skills with a focus on increasingly challenging participants physically, cognitively, and socially. Our riding instructors and/or equine specialists work with riders from ages 4 and up to motivate and provide guidance in safely developing the independent skills and confidence from horseback riding that can carry over into their lives every day.
Adaptive Riding and Adaptive Horsemanship classes can be conducted as group or solo lessons. Working together with parents/guardians and the participant, our instructors set personalized goals that can be met at an individual pace. With the support of the Instructor, community volunteers, and, of course their trusted horses, our participants can realize their full potential by doing remarkable things in a fun, safe and engaging atmosphere.