San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship

San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship is a 501c3 nonprofit Center serving populations in the South Bay San Diego County. Our PATH International Certified Center creates opportunities for physical and emotional healing for people, through the development of horsemanship skills. We serve people whose lives are challenged by a range of diagnoses such as; PTSD, anxiety, autism, as well as physical ailments. Our riding program improves muscle tone, balance, and confidence. Through the direct connection with the horse, our equine activities are designed to build trust and develop mood regulation skills.  

Started in 2001, as San Diego Hippotherapy, the mission was to provide medical treatment and therapeutic horsemanship activities to people with physical disabilities. In 2014, after assessing community needs, The Center changed its name to San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship (SDTH) continued to serve people with  physical needs and extended the program to include Veterans (funded through Wounded Warrior) and other people with a range of emotional and learning difficulties (individual lessons are privately funded).  Although there are other Therapeutic Horsemanship Centers in San Diego County, San Diego Therapeutic is the only program in the South Bay, and that serves youth experiencing trauma at no cost to the youth.

 Freedom Reins Veterans Program

San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship is honored to provide therapeutic/recreational horse-riding services to our wounded service members, including those with physical challenges, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Changing Leads Youth Program

The City of San Diego has sponsored the Changing Leads program; serving youth who are suffering from traumatic events such as: victims of crime or domestic abuse, living in Foster Care, experiencing Homelessness or grieving from the loss of a family member.  We don’t ask the students about their traumatic experiences, but instead encourage them to focus on the horses. The students’ concentration on the horses, allows them to take a respite from the stress of their life. 

Some therapeutic opportunities offered through the equine activities include:

· Mood regulation- Students learn to regulate their own moods around the horses. Anxious students practice breathing and use body language to calm agitated horses. Students can transfer these skills to the rest of their lives.

· Leadership- Students learn to be leaders for their horses.  Horsemanship activities require students to take charge of a 1000 lbs. animal, developing their sense of self-empowerment and ability to set boundaries in their lives.  

· Empathy- Students learn to identify the physical and behavioral needs of horses. 

· Self-Confidence- Students learn to be a leader for the horse and be assertive without getting angry or afraid, building their own self-confidence.

San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship is operated by volunteers. Generated funds go directly to horse care: ranch board, food, veterinary care, supplies needed for the horses, and insurance.   Please make a donation for the horses’ care and support out therapeutic horsemanship services.