No particular breed is favored for equine therapy. We currently have several breeds of horses in the program, including Quarter Horses, a Tennessee Walker and a Thoroughbred. More important than breed are temperament and disposition. Our horses must enjoy being around people, as each lesson involves not only the rider, but a volunteer support team as well (a leader and one or two sidewalkers).

In addition to possessing the right temperament, each horse must also have the desired physical confirmation (height, width) and body movements (pace, gait, rhythm). Because we rely on the horse’s movements to facilitate rider reactions, a horse with the right attributes can help stimulate the rider’s balance and righting reactions and will contribute to building strength and endurance.