Rider FAQ's

Got questions about programs at CTRC? To help out we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Can't find the answer you are looking for then contact us at 303-652-9131.

Q: How does one become a rider in CTRC’s Therapeutic Riding or Hippo-therapy program?
The following procedure is used to bring new participants into our programs when we receive a request or call:

Q: What happens once I am accepted and am registered to ride?
The rider evaluation provides a baseline for developing therapeutic goals and lesson plans for the rider. Goals, whether educational, physical, social and/or behavioral, are set at the beginning of each session. Instructors then structure lessons to achieve these goals. Weekly notes are kept as to the progress of set goals and re-evaluated at end of session. If the rider has successfully achieved the session goals then new goals will be defined. If the goals were not met the goals will be assessed to determine if they were appropriate and if so create new methods for achieving them.


Q: What should I wear to ride?
For safety and comfort we recommend the following clothing be worn while participating in equine related activities.

Q. What does it cost to participate?
CTRC operates on a session basis. We offer four sessions of Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy a year. Sessions can vary in length from 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the time of year. Check out our 2008 Fee Schedule for session pricing.


Q: Will insurance cover Therapeutic Riding fees?
    What about Hippotherapy fees?
A great place to start is by talking directly with your healthcare provider as to whether or not your insurance offers reimbursement and to what extent according to your policy. Generally, insurance will not cover the fee for Therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy though MAY be reimbursable to a percentage of the fee as treatment codes used for Hippotherapy are PT or OT codes. Flexible Spending Accounts, often offered through employers, typically will pay for Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy.

**Please note that CTRC DOES NOT bill to insurance companies directly, however, any paperwork you need to file a claim will be provided to you.


Q: Is financial assistance available?
CTRC does have a very limited scholarship program for all our Therapeutic Riding participants. If you would like to apply for a Scholarship for an upcoming session please complete a request for Scholarship Application and return to CTRC. You may also find financial assistance by contacting one of the following agentices: Imagine!, Envision, Two Angles Foundation, DDRC, North Metro, Denver Options and Foothills Gateway.


Q: What can I expect in a Therapeutic Riding class?
Therapeutic Riding is offered in a group setting of 3 to 5 riders once a week for 1 hour (includes mounting/dismounting time) and in a private setting of 1 rider for 30 minutes (includes mounting/dismounting time). Group classes are organized according to age, type of disability and level of riding skill.

Each class is designed weekly to meet the specific needs of the rider(s). Every lesson starts with rider(s) donning helmet(s) and lining up to await their turn to mount their therapy horse. Each rider is mounted individually (ensures support for mount and correct adjustments of tack). Once all rider(s) are mounted the instructor will generally begin the class with an array of stretching activities, progressing then on to activities geared toward the rider(s) goals. Activities vary but include games to improve attention and obstacle courses to develop patterning and memory skills. At the end of the session rider(s) are dismounted. (*Group rider(s) if physically able to will learn to groom and tack / untack the horse (put on the saddle and bridle) before and after the riding portion of the class.) While participating in a Therapeutic Riding class each rider is provided with the required amount of support (i.e. horseleader, horesleader plus sidewalker ,…) needed to create a safe riding environment.


Q: What can I expect in a Hippotherapy class?
Hippotherapy classes are taught by licensed therapists registered with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and NARAH certified. Hippotherapy lessons are offered once a week for 30 minutes (includes mounting/dismounting time). Each class is designed weekly to meet the specific needs of the rider. Every lesson starts with the rider donning a helmet followed by mounting of their therapy horse. Once the rider is mounted the Therapist will conduct a variety of planed activities focusing on balance, strength and cognitive stimulation. Lastly, is the transition into functional activity after dismounting if part of the individual’s therapy plan. While participating in a hippotherapy class the rider is provided with the required amount of support (i.e. horseleader, horesleader plus sidewalker ,…) needed to create a safe riding environment.


Q. What’s the difference between Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy?
While both therapies engage a horse’s dynamic movement to stimulate physical, mental and emotional growth each is unique.

Therapeutic Riding at CTRC is taught by a NARHA Certified Instructor, conducted in a group or private setting, and is structured around teaching the riders to control their horse through activities that motivates the development of cognitive, physical and social skills.

Hippotherapy is instructed by a licensed therapist registered with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and NARAH Certified. Each rider works one-on-one with the therapist allowing for intensive therapy directed specifically at the rider’s needs and goals.


Q. Are there any statistics on the success rate of therapeutic riding?
Unfortunately, no not yet, but various avenues of research are underway. At CTRC we measure the success rate of our programs by the physical, cognitive and social gains that our riders express to us, as well as the improvements our instructors observe and report while interacting with our riders through documented outcome measurements.


Q: What happens if I miss a class?
If an undocumented medical illness or a conflict in your schedule causes you to miss a class you are considered absent. CTRC cannot schedule make-up classes for you at any another time. Also, please be aware that refunds or credits for classes that you miss due to illness or a conflict in your schedule will not be refunded or credited. If you do have a documented illness or extenuating medical circumstances which will prevent you from riding for a period of time a refund or credit will be considered.


Q: What happens if classes are canceled due to severe weather or unsafe driving conditions?
CTRC’s Program Coordinator or Executive Director in conjunction with the on-duty Instructor will cancel classes in the following circumstances.

Decisions to cancel a class will be made at least one hour prior to the scheduled start of the class. The on-duty Instructor will call volunteers and riders with as much advance notice as possible. Volunteers and riders can also call the office if they think a class may be canceled. When possible, CTRC’s voice mail message will be changed to announce any cancellations.

CTRC will not offer refunds for classes that are cancelled for circumstances beyond CTRC’s control.


Q. When Is CTRC open?
CTRC holds classes 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday). Our hours of operation vary from session to session depending on the needs of our participants but staff is always on site Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.


Q. If I want to visit CTRC do I need to make an appointment?
YES!. We do prefer that a site-visit is scheduled. Scheduling a site-visit allow us to arrange one of our staff members to be available to escort you safely around the property and answer all your questions. We do require all visitors to check in at the main office so if you are just stopping by please check in with us.